POEMS 

ORIGINAL  AND  TRANSLATIONS 


POEMS 

Original  and  Translations 

By 
JAMES  HERVEY  HYSLOP,  PH.  D.,  LL.  D. 

Secretary  of  the  American  Society 
for  Psychical  Research 


BOSTON 

SMALL,  MAYNARD  &  COMPANY 
1915 


Copyrighted,  1915 
By  JAMBS  HBRVEY  HYSLOP 


Dedicated 

to 

M\)  Children 
George,  Winifred  and  Beatrice 


M135309 


PREFACE 

HOSE  who  know  me  only  in  my  philo- 
sophical and  scientific  writing  will  feel 
some  surprise  to  find  me  in  the  role  of 
poetry.  While  I  was  very  fond  of  it  in 
my  childhood  and  read  much  of  it  I  never  ven- 
tured on  writing  or  translating  any  of  it  until  I 
was  far  past  fifty.  I  remembered  that  Darwin  lost 
his  love  of  poetry  from  the  influence  of  his  scientific 
studies,  and  one  motive,  perhaps  the  chief  one,  in  pub- 
lishing this  little  volume  is  to  give  testimony  to  the  fact 
that  science  may  not  always  destroy  the  poetic  sense. 
Darwin  lost  his  faith  from  the  materialistic  tendencies 
of  his  theories,  and  with  it  he  lost  the  love  for  poetry 
which  goes  with  some  sort  of  faith.  I,  too,  lost  mine, 
but  had  it  restored  by  deeper  draughts  from  the  source 
which  had  first  deprived  me  of  it. 

A  little  knowledge  is  a  dangerous  thing, 
Drink  deep,  or  touch  not  the  Pierian  spring. 

But  whatever  the  influence,  age  and  scientific  studies 
have  not  dimmed  at  last  the  passion  for  that  literature 
which  has  cheered  or  soothed  the  race  from  the  time 
of  Homer  and  Sappho. 

The  original  poems,  both  in  English  and  German, 
required  a  special  mood  to  suggest  and  create  them. 
This  mood  was  not  and  is  not  always  at  my  command. 
No  doubt  the  absorption  in  scientific  duties,  which  have 
been  more  exacting  than  most  people  know,  has  pre- 
vented the  occurrence  of  those  moods  which  might  have 


viii  Preface 

resulted  in  more  inspiration  than  here  finds  expression. 
But  the  fact  that  they  came  long  after  middle  life  made 
them  worthy  of  notice  and  record,  if  only  as  testimony 
to  other  tastes  than  barren  facts.  Philosophy  is 
poetry,  if  only  people  knew  it,  and  only  a  deliberate 
effort  to  conceal  or  smother  this  aspect  of  it  would 
ever  prevent  its  recognition.  Probably  it  was  the  ex- 
cessive use  of  its  poetic  features  that  converted  it  into 
the  servant  of  science  which  has  never  given  faith  and 
hope  free  reins  for  their  imagination.  The  time  is 
coming,  and  that  rapidly,  when  they  may  restore  their 
wings. 

I  make  no  pretense  to  merits  in  my  poetry.  I  am 
not  a  competent  judge  of  it.  It  is  only  the  product  of 
a  nature  which  has  other  interests  besides  those  of  pure 
science,  and  lays  no  claim  to  the  rugged  passion  of 
Browning  or  the  honeyed  imagery  of  Tennyson  or  the 
excellencies  of  any  other  bard.  It  is  just  the  wilder- 
ness in  which  I  sought  to  pacify  my  moods  or  to  seek 
relief  from  the  thralls  of  science,  and  in  that  way  I 
saved  my  mind  and  its  occupations  from  isolation. 
Moreover  the  poems  are  evidence  that  fact  need  not 
disturb  fancy.  Fiction,  in  modern  life,  has  taken  the 
place  of  religion  which  had  been  the  fairyland  of 
poetry,  and  has  given  such  sombre  hues  to  science,  that 
it  is  well  to  attest  another  case  in  which  fact  has  not 
robbed  the  world  of  its  poetic  aroma. 

The  translations  of  German  poetry  do  not  pretend 
to  reproduce  the  incomparable  beauties  of  the  original. 
It  is  impossible  to  translate  the  poetry  of  one  language 
into  that  of  another  and  at  the  same  time  retain  its  im- 
agery and  its  beauty.  Beautifully  articulated  imagery, 


Preface  ix 

rhyme,  and  rhythm  are  the  fundamental  characteristics 
of  poetry  and  these  are  not  interchangeable  in  different 
languages.  You  can  only  transfer  the  sense  and  the 
rhythm:  you  cannot  transfer  the  imagery  and  the 
rhyme.  For  this  reason  I  have  given  the  original  Ger- 
man poems  so  that  lovers  of  German  poetry  may  have 
an  excuse  for  disregarding  the  translations.  Those 
who  are  not  fortunate  enough  to  know  or  like  German 
may  rest  content  with  the  effort  to  reproduce  the  sense 
and  rhythm  in  English.  But  the  real  beauty  of  the 
original  is  not  convertible  into  English.  The  poetic 
meaning  is  all  that  is  common. 

I  owe  a  deep  debt  of  thanks  to  Professor  Carl 
Schmidt,  of  Tufts  College  for  going  over  the  original 
German  poems  to  see  that  unpardonable  errors  did  not 
occur,  and  also  for  his  examination  of  the  translations 
of  the  German  poems  to  see  that  I  had  caught  the  right 
spirit  in  obscure  passages. 

I  have  not  always  followed  the  metre  of  the  original 
German.  I  have  usually  done  so,  but  in  a  few  in- 
stances the  sense  would  have  been  spoiled  by  the  at- 
tempt to  preserve  the  original  metre.  I  have  taken 
special  liberties  in  that  respect  with  Paoli's  remarkable 
poem  entitled  Cabe.  The  sense  was  too  important  to 
sacrifice  any  of  it  to  the  demands  of  the  original  metre. 

In  the  translations  of  some  portions  of  Goethe's 
Faust,  readers  will  remark  occasionally  the  influence  of 
Bayard  Taylor. 


Parti 
ORIGINAL  POEMS 

English 


Original  Poems— English  3 


COMPANIONSHIP 

LINGER  by  me  in  the  toils  of  life, 

And  while  the  struggle  brings  its  joy  and  pain, 
Let  no  doubting  mingle  with  the  strife, 
But  take  the  cross  in  sunshine  and  in  rain. 


Original  Poems — English 


FRINGES 

MANY  happy  sunlit  hours  come  and  go, 
And  gild  in  golden  hues  my  daily  task. 

Waiting  silent  in  the  pensive  gloaming, 
Thy  gentle  heart  is  all  I  ask. 


Original  Poems — English 


LOVE'S  BROODING 

FOR  thy  still  loving  helpful  heart 
I  have  no  memory;  but  one, 
An  everlasting  thought  that  steals 
Its  way  into  my  deeper  moods, 
And  is  the  deepest  part 
Of  their  supernal  life, 
And  holds  in  all-embracing  grasp 
The  perfect  end  of  God  and  man. 


Original  Poems — English 


VICTORY 

THE  clouds  that  gathered  round  the  light  of  hope 
Have  vanished  now  far  down  the  azure  deep: 

And  in  the  shaded  vale  or  on  the  mountain  slope 
My  soul  shall  wander  there  no  more  to  weep. 

And  yet  the  mocking  sight  of  others'  bitter  pain, 
Or  stunted  growth  and  life,  divinely  pleading  grace, 

May  check  one's  ecstasy  and  make  the  heart  complain 
That  God  does  little  in  the  struggles  of  the  race. 


Original  Poems — English 


RESIGNATION 

THE  sadder  moments  of  a  wearied  hope 
Find  on  their  fringe  a  dream  of  better  days, 
And  while  their  aura  holds  the  leash  of  pain, 
That  keenly  throbs  about  one's  passing  joys, 
The  bitter  sweet  will  fuse  its  mingled  shades 
Into  the  calm  majestic  life  of  God. 


Original  Poems — English 


WAITING  HOPES 

RESTING  in  the  woodland  where  the  lilies  grow, 
Walking  by  the  roaring  ocean  and  its  billows, 

Looking  at  the  meadows  where  the  cricket's  song 
Shrilly  marks  the  rising  heat  on  grassy  pillows. 

Resting  with  the  morning  light  in  downy  peace, 
Roaming  by  the  brimming  river  and  its  stream, 

Wand' ring  o'er  the  moonlit  vale  where  glows  the  heart 
Whiling  the  ecstatic  passion  in  a  lovely  dream. 

I  wait  for  one  deep  sigh  of  hope  and  love 
That  gathers  on  its  wings  the  burdened  roll 

Of  human  ills,  and  crying  for  the  day 

That  will  requite  the  patience  of  the  soul. 


Original  Poems — English 


MIND  AND  HEART 

WISDOM  and  passion 
Playing  for  place. 

Whichever  winneth 
Loses  its  grace. 

When  the  two,  peaceful, 
Mingle  and  kiss: 

Then  cometh  sweetly 
Power  and  bliss. 


10  Original  Poems — English 


LOVE 

PHILOSOPHY  has  told  the  world 
What  nature,  God  and  man  may  be. 
Come  with  the  searching  light  of  truth 
And  tell  me  now  what  love  may  be. 

Is  it  the  lonely  mystery  defying  human  thought? 
Or  will  its  definition  open  here  the  hidden  lock 
That  holds  beyond  the  reach  of  man's  experient  gaze 
The  fairy  land  of  hope  and  joy  enchanted  by  the 
heart? 

Or  must  we  wait  to  feel  its  stealing,  glowing,  placid 

charm, 
Before  the  mind  can  e'en  perceive  what  it  is  asked  to 

tell? 

Is  it  in  vain  that  men  will  strive  to  give  the  soul 
The  native  element  in  which  it  ever  grows  and  thrives? 

Shall  logic  or  philosophy  essay  Pandora's  box? 
Shall  Psyche  linger  here  to  bless  instead  of  curse  the 

race? 
And  yet  is  it  the  dark  and  misty  thing  behind  the 

clouds, 
That  silent  plays  its  hide  and  seek  with  human  mind 

and  heart? 


Original  Poems — English  1 1 

No  deeps  can  hide  its  vision  here. 

The  soul  is  ever  on  the  wing, 
And  sings  in  accents  true  and  clear: 

It  is  a  wondrous  simple  thing. 

A  random  word  at  dusk, 

And  in  the  silence  ever, 
A  look,  a  sigh,  a  clasp, 

And  two  are  one  forever.* 


*  With  apologies  to  President  G.  Stanley  Hall,  who  had 
once  tried  to  define  "  Love  ". 


12  Original  Poems — Engtish 


LIFE'S  MAZE 

HAPPY  in  the  light, 
Happy  all  the  night : 
Happy  as  it  seems 
In  my  very  dreams. 

Happy  when  it  shines, 
Happy  when  it  rains; 
Writing  at  the  lines 
Stilling  all  my  pains. 

Throbbing  all  the  days, 
Blessing  all  my  work. 
Always  in  the  maze 
Healing  there  will  lurk. 

Coming  in  the  dawn, 
Playing  on  the  lawn, 
Looking  in  the  gloaming 
Curing  all  my  roaming. 

Watch  me  in  the  shadows 
Moving  o'er  the  meadows. 
Love  me  in  the  sorrows 
Clouding  all  the  morrows. 


Original  Poems — English  1  3 


THE  LOVER'S  CRY 

GENTLE  maiden, 

Love  me  laden 

With  the  rosy  morning  joy 

And  give  me  no  alloy 

Of  pain,  or  what  may  sever 

Hearts  that  love  forever  and  forever. 


14  Original  Poems — English 


WANDERING  THOUGHTS 

CLIMBING  o'er  the  mountain, 
Wand*  ring  down  the  valley ; 

Playing  by  the  fountain 
Where  the  birdlings  rally: 

Lingers  in  the  mellow  twilight 
All  the  hoping  heart's  delight, 
If  only  faithful  lovers  know 
The  spirit's  happy  afterglow. 

Sailing  o'er  the  ocean 

And  the  bounding  billow; 

Saddened  by  the  motion 
Of  the  weeping  willow: 

Burning  in  the  wilding  heart 
The  passion  of  a  lover's  art, 
To  gather  in  its  folded  wings 
The  bliss  that  only  poet  sings. 

Gazing  on  a  star, 

With  its  gleaming  light 

Coming  from  afar 

Through  the  fairy  night: 

Only  he  can  walk  the  lover's  lane 
That  worships  at  a  starry  fane, 
By  mountain  gulfs  divinely  awed, 
And  spends  his  hours  there  with  God. 

Silver  winged  clouds 

Floating  ever  by; 
Nature's  mystic  shrouds 

Over  land  and  sky: 


Original  Poems — English  15 

Spirits  of  the  air  on  downy  throne, 
That  move  in  passion  all  alone 
The  longing  soul  and  whisper  there 
The  peaceful  dream  of  love  so  fair. 

Wading  laughing  waters, 

Mooning  in  the  forest; 
Praying  for  the  father's 

Burdens  that  are  sorest. 

Loving  all  the  throbbing  human  kind, 
In  one  that  gently  turns  the  mind 
To  mould  the  heart  for  noble  deeds, 
And  wins  his  peace  in  joyous  meads. 

Dreaming  in  the  gloaming, 

Waiting  for  the  morning ; 
Staying  all  my  roaming 

With  the  spirit's  warning : 

Waiting  for  the  love  that  ever  weds 
In  life  the  gold  and  silver  threads 
Of  joy  and  pain,  and  marks  the  rest 
Of  those  who  are  forever  blest. 

Feel  the  winds  ablowing, 

See  the  skies  aglowing, 
Watch  the  clouds  aflying; 

Summer  days  are  dying : 

The  sadder  autumn  moments  still 
The  sunbeams'  ardent  cheering  thrill ; 
But  loving  hearts  throb  on  to  yield 
Ecstatic  bliss  in  one  Elysian  field. 


16  Original  Poems — English 


FANCIES 

O'ER  mountain  and  valley, 
Where  winds  may  still  sally, 
In  woodland  and  dale, 
So  lusty  and  hale, 
That  elfin  and  sprite 
Resist  not  their  might: 
There  lovers  still  throng 
In  passion  and  song. 

We  catch  the  first  glance 
Of  life  and  romance, 
Where  drear  and  lonely  soul 
Is  ever  thus  made  whole. 
And  then  sweet  music  seizes 
The  mellow  lullaby  breezes, 
To  brighten  the  morrow 
By  healing  its  sorrow. 


Original  Poems — English  1  7 


A  MOOD 

THE  balmy  air  and  cheerful  mood, 
The  sombre  hues  of  solitude, 
Combine  in  accents  clear  to  cover 
The  happy  soul  of  happy  lover. 


18  Original  Poems — English 


A  WISH 

MAY  many  happy  moments  come  and  go 
And  keep  your  heart  from  all  its  woe: 
For  I  can  hardly  leash  my  throbbing  joy, 
That  breaks  upon  my  soul  with  no  alloy. 


Original  Poems — English  19 


DREAMS  AND  FANCIES 

EVERY  moment  in  the  gloaming, 
While  the  soul  is  ever  roaming 
O'er  the  plains  of  love  and  life, 
Far  beyond  the  cruel  strife, 
Comes  the  voice  of  earnest  duty, 
Yielding  all  the  charm  of  beauty, 
While  the  heart  forever  burns, 
Or  its  shadowed  passion  turns 
Fortune's  fears  into  a  joy 
That  our  pains  cannot  annoy. 

Not  on  slothful  eiderdown 
Comes  the  victor's  golden  crown ; 
But  in  wildered  ecstasy, 
Mind  of  man  or  fantasy 
Brings  the  joy  of  rest, 
Winning  all  its  quest 
After  toil  and  trouble, 
And  the  vanished  bubble 
That  our  hopes  had  builded, 
And  imagination  gilded. 

Dreams  of  ancient  story 
And  of  Godly  glory 
Linger  in  the  still  twilight, 
And  the  dim  religious  light 
Of  our  memories  and  song, 
Cheering  crowds  that  throng 
Brilliant  halls  and  sacred  fane, 
Lighting  wand'rers  o'er  the  main, 
While  the  sunny  brighter  morrow 
Halos  all  our  sorrow. 


20  Original  Poems — English 


LOVE  AND  OLD  AGE 

JUST  like  a  boy 
Bubbling  with  joy, 
Watching  the  sea 
Quite  full  of  glee. 
Heart  throbs  in  me 
Waiting  for  thee. 


Original  Poems — English  21 


SYMPATHY 

WATCH  me  in  the  gloaming, 
Keep  my  heart  from  roaming. 
Let  me  ever  follow 
In  the  vale  of  sorrow. 
Hold  me  to  thy  breast, 
Give  me  peace  and  rest. 
Stay  me  in  the  valley 
Where  the  birds  may  rally. 

Let  me  worship  gladly 
At  the  fane  that  sadly 
Mourns  the  hand  of  death, 
Waits  in  bated  breath 
For  its  mated  lost, 
Counts  the  fearful  cost: 
And  the  heart  is  glowing 
While  the  tears  are  flowing. 

Wait  for  happy  days 
Greeting  him  who  prays, 
Blessing  hearts  entwining 
Clouds  with  silver  lining; 
Joining  melody 
Mild  and  threnody: 
Always  in  the  van 
Loving  God  and  man. 


22  Original  Poems — English 


A  SUNSET 

BEYOND  horizon's  bar  in  twilight  splendid, 
The  sun  moves  calmly  onward  in  his  mellow  light, 
And  turns  his  reddened  glow  on  watching  millions; 
Who,  flushed  with  wond'ring  ecstasy,  are  chained 
By  beauty  and  sublimity  in  firmest  grasp 
Of  worship,  silent  and  serene,  and  living 
Divinely  patient  for  the  morrow,  with  its  task 
Of  quiet  duties,  hardly  borne,  until  the  hour 
When  nature's  art  and  passion  kindles  equally 
The  mood  of  faith,  of  courage,  and  of  reverence. 


Original  Poems — English  23 


A  MOUNTAIN  VIEW 

No  loneliness  can  come  in  wood  or  fell, 
For  humming  wings  stir  fondly  glen  and  dell: 
The  brooks  that  babble  over  cliff  and  stony  floor, 
At  last  wind  slowly  o'er  the  fenland  moor, 
And  mountain  slope  in  baths  of  fluid  velvet  air 
Stilly  moves  the  wilding  heart  in  passion  there. 


24  Original  Poems — English 


WAITING 

AGAIN  have  come  the  evening  tides; 
Uncertain  hope  with  me  abides. 
The  happy  times  that  once  did  flow, 
In  cheering  accents  here  below, 
Are  waiting  for  the  voice  of  fate 
To  point  the  way  to  heaven's  gate, 
Or  mark  the  shadows  of  a  life 
Already  filled  with  pain  and  strife. 


Original  Poems — English  25 


A   REVERIE 

I  LINGER  in  the  sacred  fane  of  God's  eternal  light, 
And  worship  there  to  gain  the  strength  that  comes  from 

faithfulness, 
The  firmer  will  to  live  for  that  which  takes  away  the 

blight 

Of  passion  low  and  glorifies  in  loveliness 
The  higher  spirit  in  the  heart  of  God  and  man. 

Our  wandering  thoughts  may  gather  strength 
From  tempting  struggles  in  the  toils  of  life, 

And  happy  he  who  keeps  at  length 

His  vision  on  the  sinless  strife, 

And  makes  his  passions  play  the  part 

Of  servant  to  all  diviner  art. 


26  Original  Poems — English 


TWILIGHT 

IN  rhapsody  the  human  heart  will  ever  surge, 
When  sunset  and  the  dawn,  in  ruddy  beams  of  light, 
Touch  the  horizon  of  infinity,  and  merge, 
In  radiance  sublime,  the  shores  of  day  and  night. 


Original  Poems — English  27 


NIGHT 

THE  sun  was  far  beyond  horizon's  bar, 
And  tinge  of  twilight,  fading  into  night, 
Ennobled  there  the  distant  azure  deeps. 
The  evening  star  shone  in  the  western  sky, 
And  other  orbs  that  twinkled  in  the  gloom, 
Were  waiting  for  its  setting  in  the  sea, 
To  roam  in  the  infinitudes  of  space. 
And  there  in  all  the  splendor  of  the  night, 
I  saw  the  loneliness  of  God  had  toned 
The  blue  empyrean  forever  and  forever. 


28  Original  Poems — English 


A  MEMORY  OF  1876 

FOR  ages  past,  before  the  forest  deep 
Had  yielded  to  the  ravages  of  man, 
The  lonely  savage  gained  his  living 
In  the  valley  of  the  blue  Juniata. 

When  human  culture  found  its  life  and  home, 
About  the  strangely  wildered  mountain  scenes 
Of  dell  and  rock,  the  glory  was  resting 
In  the  valley  of  the  blue  Juniata. 

A  wand*  ring  chance  brought  me,  a  stripling  then, 
Into  the  glories  of  that  fabled  stream, 
And  started  all  the  joys  of  life,  when  riding 
In  the  valley  of  the  blue  Juniata. 

The  moonlight  shed  its  silver  radiance  there 
Upon  the  mountain  glen  and  woodland  shade, 
While  I  stood  blissful  and  sublimely  dreaming 
In  the  valley  of  the  blue  Juniata. 

And  drinking  deeply  from  its  fountains  pure 
Of  beauty  and  of  power,  peaceful  and  serene, 
I  found  my  dedication  there,  while  musing 
In  the  valley  of  the  blue  Juniata. 


Original  Poems — English  29 


DEATH 

IT  is  not  loneliness  of  soul, 

Nor  grief  nor  tears  that  sternly  bring 

The  pall  that  rests  on  broken  hearts, 

But  shattered  hopes  and  bleeding  wounds 

Of  mind  and  spirit,  slow  to  heal. 

And  gentle  souls  will  ever  weep 

When  death's  cold  ruthless  hand  lays  hold 

The  silver  cords  of  love  and  life. 


30  Original  Poems — English 


MATTER  AND  SPIRIT 

IN  the  world  chaos, 
Force  and  its  reign, 
Might  against  right, 

Threaten  the  spirit 

With  a  lost  faith, 

And  its  clear  light 

With  the  dark  shadows, 

Veiling  its  power. 

Death  is  its  mask 

Hiding  its  life, 

But  the  soul's  hope, 

Challenging  fate, 

Baffling  its  doubts, 

Looks  to  the  stars 

For  a  clear  path 

To  the  white  throne ; 

Begging  the  dead 

That  they  come  back, 

And  in  their  love 

Give  us  a  pledge 

Of  a  new  life. 

Heaven  must  yield 

Something  to  prayer, 

Would  it  reveal 

What  a  man  hopes. 

All  the  great  field, 

Darkened  by  ages 

Having  no  light, 

Opens  its  gates 


Original  Poems — English  31 

Now  to  the  seer. 
Here  the  new  land, 
Waiting  for  wisdom 
And  for  brave  men: 
Bold  is  the  task, 
Glorious  the  prize, 
And  the  heroic 
Win  it  from  God. 


32  Original  Poems — English 


GRIEF 

IN  toils  and  anguish,  made  betimes 
By  firm  and  ruthless  blows  of  fate, 
It  is  the  avarice  insatiate  of  death 
That  chills  the  bloom  of  happiness, 
The  blissful  peace  of  faith  and  hope, 
And  makes  it  hard  to  trust  in  God, 
Whose  fatal  hand  had  marred  the  joys 
Of  life  and  love.     To  pray  for  light 
In  such  a  fate  seemed  sacrilege. 

Around  me  were  the  wrecks  of  hope. 

The  sun  had  set  on  all  the  days 

Of  guarded  love  and  helping  strength, 

And  left  a  mourning  Hecuba, 

In  sorrow's  pain  and  widow's  weeds. 

The  nightly  pall  of  darkness  fell 

On  every  gleam  of  peace  and  joy, 

And  even  God,  behind  the  clouds, 

Would  hardly  deign  to  give  me  light, 

Or  cheer  the  lonely  days  of  grief. 

But  when  I  found  the  knowledge  clear, 
That  I  could  meet  again  the  troth 
Of  early  days  and  joys,  I  rose 
On  stronger  feet  and  gladly  trod 
The  path  of  patience  and  of  peace. 
The  wider  sense  of  truth  and  love 
Arose  in  dawning  brilliance  then, 
With  that  effulgent  glory  bright, 
That  justifies  the  ways  of  God, 
And  opes  sublimer  deeps  of  faith. 


Original  Poems — English  33 


OLD  AGE 

WHAT  mean  the  days  and  years  that  pass, 
Like  winds  that  sweep  the  boundless  sea, 

And  carry  in  their  wake,  alas ! 
The  memories  of  youth  for  me? 

Are  they  regrets  that  hold  me  fast, 
And  ever  cloy  me  now  with  pain? 

Or  are  they  echoes  of  a  past 

That  fall  like  fertile  drops  of  rain? 

The  early  sunlit  happy  days, 

Of  childhood  and  its  careless  glee, 

Did  live  upon  the  wanton  ways 
Of  freedom  and  its  jollity. 

No  moaning  tides  of  sorrow  there, 
Or  keenest  pain  or  bitter  grief, 

To  ope  the  sobbing  heart  so  bare, 

Or  bring  the  "  sere  and  yellow  leaf  ". 

And  no  restraint  or  pain  could  foil 
The  long  and  happy  days  of  youth, 

Or  clog  the  passing  days  with  toil 
To  find  the  golden  prize  of  truth. 

If  only  sense  and  passion  reign, 

Or  hold  the  soul  in  their  firm  stays, 

The  later  sadder  years'  refrain 
Will  ever  shade  the  harvest  days. 


34  Original  Poems — English 

If  spirit  and  its  inner  life 

Doth  cleanse  the  soul's  impurity, 

The  sunset  days,  all  after  strife, 
Will  tinge  with  fervent  ecstasy. 

The  sated  senses  only  pall, 

When  better  wants  are  robbed  their  food. 
We  thrive  here  only  under  thrall 

Of  noble  and  religious  mood. 

*Tis  not  my  grief:  'tis  not  my  pain 
That  memory  brings  back  to  me: 

In  pensive  moods  of  age  I  gain 
The  shores  of  God's  eternal  sea. 

The  spirit's  toil  mid  worldly  strife, 
In  winning  here  the  soul's  release, 

Has  brought  to  me  immortal  life, 
Upon  the  silver  wings  of  peace. 


Original  Poems — English  35 


KEARSARGE 

KEARSARGE,  thou  lonely  sentinel, 
That  guardest  far  Atlantic  shores, 
Where  old  Apollo  brightly  casts 
The  silver  sheen  of  placid  main. 

In  thy  sublime  and  lofty  calm, 
Thou  guardest  there  the  briny  deep, 
Where  Neptune  with  his  trident  bold 
Still  rules  the  wastes  of  earth  and  sea. 

Thou  guardest,  too,  the  western  range 
Of  bolder  mountains  and  the  skies, 
Whose  glowing  twilight  nobly  lumes 
The  distant  azure  gates  of  God. 


36  Original  Poems — English 


PRAYER  AND  PROMISE 

OH  do  not  sadden  all  the  world  for  me, 
But  let  thy  thoughts  come  o'er  the  lea, 
Like  moonlight  on  a  summer  sea, 
To  ever  gladden  all  the  world  for  me. 

I  shall  not  sadden  all  the  world  for  thee, 
But  let  my  thoughts  come  o'er  the  lea, 
Like  moonlight  on  a  summer  sea, 
To  ever  gladden  all  the  world  for  thee. 


Original  Poems — English  37 


LIFE  AND  HOPE 

THE  poet,  seer,  philosopher,  or  friend 
Keeps  watch  o'er  nature's  guerdon,  princely  fair, 
Some  hope  of  things  to  come,  eternal  life. 
One  puts  it  in  the  present's  vernal  bloom, 
And  robs  the  loom  of  time  of  its  reward. 
Another  seeks  it  in  some  distant  clime, 
Where  heaven's  chalice  pours  the  wine  of  joy 
Into  the  lap  of  fate.     For  you  and  me 
It  is  the  thrill  of  knowledge  and  of  love, 
That  lumes  the  path  of  life,  and  binds  therewith 
Far  off  events  beyond  the  gates  of  death. 


38  Original  Poems — English 


A  QUIET  WINTER  MORNING 

HERE  peace  and  quiet  reign  in  undisturbed  dominion, 

Tho  skies  are  gray  and  distant  pines  stand  sadly  still. 
No  birdling  fills  the  air  with  song:  on  guarded  pinion. 

Or  parts  the  ether  in  its  flight  to  find  the  will 
Of  spring.      The  snows  are  waiting  for  the  melting 
rain 

Or  sun,  and  chill  awhile  the  air  which  does  not  stir, 
And  waiting  for  the  better  days  to  come  again, 

When  hearts  throw  off  their  sorrows  in  the  dulcimer 
And  gentle  winds  of  spring  and  summer. 


Original  Poems — English  39 


CLOUD  AND  SKY 

THE  fleecy  clouds  float  by 
In  azure  blue  and  mystic  deeps 
To  wander  there  in  endless  flight 
Across  eternal  space,  and  symbolize 
The  dreamy  ways  of  God  and  man. 


40  Original  Poems — English 


PENSIVE  MOODS 

STILL  watching  near  the  swards  of  Eden, 
And  eager  there  to  catch  a  glimpse 
Of  that  immortal  light  that  guards 
The  open  gates  of  life,  the  heart, 
Complaining  of  its  saddened  lot, 
Will  cry  for  time,  and  tempting  makes 
The  very  gods  its  bitter  enemies, 
To  find  its  spirit  driven  thence  alone, 
To  toil  in  utter  darkness  and  despair. 
The  spoils  of  many  working  years  will  not 
Requite  its  sufferings,  nor  cure 
The  wounds  that  mar  its  final  peace. 

But  are  they  cruel  wounds  that  keep  the  soul 
From  casting  its  pure  hopes  into  the  lap 
Of  fortune  and  her  wayward  wilful  joys? 
But  may  not  happiness  come  in  the  suit 
Of  duty  and  of  goodness,  or  the  toils 
Wherein  the  pensive  sadness  and  its  tears 
Will  give  fruition  in  Elysian  fields. 
Only  one  alembic,  then,  can  cleanse  and  join 
In  one  harmonious  symphony  the  tides 
Of  joy  and  sorrow  in  our  warring  lives, 
The  glowing  love  that  holds  in  melting  arms 
And  grasp  all  human  interest  and  pain. 


Original  Poems — English  41 


GREEK  AND  CHRISTIAN 

'TlS  neither  wealth  nor  youth  nor  beauty  fair, 
The  princely  suit  of  all  the  ancient  world, 
That  makes  the  worth  of  work  and  loving  hope, 
But  all  the  deeper  graces  of  the  soul. 


42  Original  Poems — English 


A  WINTER  REVERIE  ON  A  WESTERN  PLAIN 

No  hills  or  mountains  grace  the  vast  expanse 
Of  western  plains,  those  benisons  of  Providence 
That  voice  the  claim  of  power  or  sublimely  rise 
Into  the  silent  ether  deeps,  but  snowy  shrilly  winds 
Of  winter  cold  that  stripped  the  trees  of  foliage, 
The  fields  of  verdure,  and  the  gray  bleak  cast 
Of  landscape,  air  and  sky,  all  sadly  mourning  life, 
Could  only  pall  the  vision,  vainly  seeking  light, 
And  deeply  sadden  all  the  face  of  nature 
That  waited  for  the  tender  heart  of  spring, 
And  silver  winds  that  bring  the  growing  green, 
Or  warm  the  passions  of  the  splendid  days 
Into  a  glowing  worship  of  the  balmy  reign 
Of  Ceres  and  her  fertile  plentitude  of  power, 
Richly  clad  in  her  gay  and  wild  luxuriance. 

A  touch  of  sadness,  partly  for  myself,  came  painfully 
Upon  my  clouded  mind,  and  partly  for  the  homes 
In  gray  and  weather-beaten  villages  that  pay 
Unconsciously  their  tribute  to  the  greater  world 
Of  wealth  and  art,  the  boon  of  fortune  and  of  skill. 
The  humble  population,  scorning  taste,  or  ignorant 
Of  all  the  finer  play  of  nature  and  her  sportful  works, 
Are  whiling  all  the  winter  days  in  silent  patient  mood, 
And  living  meagerly  upon  the  scant  proceeds  of  toil, 
With  neither  joy  nor  sorrow  there  to  stir  the  calm 
And  evenness  of  life.      For  culture,  grace,  and  knowl- 
edge 

Are  never  dreamed  as  things  for  hungry  avarice. 
The  little  kirk,  sustained  by  habit  and  tradition  far, 
Will  hardly  stir  a  hope  beyond  a  childish  fantasy 
Of  earthly  gain,  the  longest  hope  of  many  prayers. 


Original  Poems — English  43 


THE  SAND  PLAINS  OF  NEW  JERSEY 

THESE  sandy  wastes  are  tributes  to  a  mighty  past, 
The  ancient  times  when  man  had  yet  not  traversed 

earth: 

The  sea  had  rolled  its  waves  upon  an  ocean  floor 
That  now  grows  pines  and  moss  and  lowly  shrubbery. 

No  signs  but  whitened  sands  betray  the  distant  age, 
The  stormy  deeps  and  plash  of  waves  that  ground  the 

rocks 

To  sandy  dust,  waiting  in  sun  and  rain  to  grow 
A  covering  for  its  nakedness  and  its  barren  soil. 

How  nature  struggles  here  in  tree  and  plant  to  show 
Her  fertile  genius  and  enrich  the  eye  with  sheen 
Of  varied  growth,  extending  her  dominion  there 
O'er  ravages  of  wind  and  sea,  the  thunder  kings. 

Then  follows  man,  the  paragon  of  animals, 
With  home  and  garden,  twixt  saving  care  and  waste, 
Half  helps  and  half  destroys  the  wilderness  of  life, 
That  won  a  splendid  victory  o'er  ploughing  main. 


44  Original  Poems — English 


A  WINTER  SCENE  AND  REFLECTIONS 

To  get  at  nature's  finer  nobler  grace  and  power, 
I  wandered  thoughtful  in  her  healing  loneliness, 
To  gather  from  her  great  enchanted,  feeling  heart 
The  warmth  and  heat  of  soul,  the  tenderness  of  love 
That  even  winter  life  will  not  disturb  or  chill. 

The  pure  white  snow  shone  clear  against  the  blue, 
And  purified  alike  the  air,  the  wood,  the  sky, 
And  waiting  for  the  balmy  touch  of  spring  to  heal 
The  ravages  of  winter's  frost.     The  sun  arose 
To  gladden  there,  in  joy,  the  life  of  man  and  God. 

The  gentle  cooling  wind  was  not  enough  to  stir 
The  quiet  pines  or  more  than  cause  a  sigh, 
Or  distant  moan  of  music  in  their  branches. 
No  home  or  troubled  life  of  man  or  beast  disturbed 
The  range  of  vision  or  the  calm  of  day  and  night. 

The  vaulted  sky,  without  a  fleck  or  cloud  of  white, 
Full  calmly  watched  the  silence  and  the  passing  joy 
Of  a  reflective  mood,  that  caught  in  fine  embrace 
The  sheen  of  twinkling  crystals  in  the  waiting  snow, 
And  tinctured  every  moment  with  its  lovely  memories. 

And  nature  helped  the  thoughts  that  struggled  there 
For  utterance,  to  get  the  prize  in  feeling  only. 
The  storms  of  many  hours  rested  from  their  toil, 
The  calmer  regimen  of  resolute  and  stubborn  faith 
Kept  mingled  there  the  undertones  of  joy  and  grief. 


Original  Poems — English  45 

And  slumbering  ideals,  then,  that  shadowed  hope 
Or  kept  alive  the  spark  of  that  eternal  fire, 
Still  watch  the  sombre  hues  of  fate  and  death, 
To  keep  the  springs  of  inspiration  and  of  power 
Where  they  may  grow  the  bloom  of  happiness. 

The  resurrection  of  a  brave  and  courageous  will, 
Or  passion  for  the  clear,  sublimer  path  of  God, 
The  tender  melancholy  joy  of  soul  surrender, 
May  turn  my  sadder  moments  into  a  restful  peace 
Of  mind  and  heart,  a  lumed  light  of  all  eternity. 


46  •    Original  Poems — English 


TENDER  MOODS 

WATCHING  by  the  river  where  the  lilies  blow, 
Singing  songs  of  joyous  music  all  aglow, 
Trilling  voices  in  the  woodland's  shady  realms, 
Waiting  for  the  bliss  that  always  overwhelms. 

We  wander  hand  in  hand,  our  souls  agleam 
With  sterling  radiance  from  a  moonlight  beam, 
And  gather  from  the  stars  the  sacred  light 
That  lumes  in  milder  sheen  the  shades  of  night. 

The  afterglow  of  peace  and  joy  in  life, 
That  hallowed  all  the  worthy  fields  of  strife, 
Had  stilled  the  passions  with  the  sombre  hue 
Of  duty,  gracing  all  that  to  the  soul  is  due. 

For  man  will  linger  in  the  golden  glow 
Of  twilight,  and  the  touch  of  Cupid's  bow, 
To  gain  the  radiant  and  the  splendid  bliss 
That  follows  from  a  maiden's  heart  and  kiss. 

For  all  his  happiness,  the  prize  of  love, 
Will  only  come  from  hands  divine  above, 
And  color  all  the  scenes  of  age  and  youth 
With  the  sublime  and  sacred  light  of  truth. 


Original  Poems — English  47 


REVELATION 

FAR  down  the  moonlight  dim  of  memory, 

The  gleaming  lights  of  childhood's  sunny  ways, 

In  floating  islands  linger  lazily, 

And  brighten  all  of  manhood's  autumn  days. 

The  azure  mystic  deeps  of  sky  and  sea, 
That  meet  and  kiss  on  the  horizon's  bar, 

Whence  sunset's  golden  hues  pour  o'er  the  lea, 
Illume  old  Phoebus'  bright  flamboyant  car. 

The  clouds  that  gathered  round  the  splendid  throne 
Of  western  glory  and  its  flaming  light, 

To  sail  the  vaulted  blue,  in  silence  lone, 

Must  vanish  far  within  the  shades  of  night. 

Those  winged  messengers  of  God  and  man, 
Lit  up  by  moonlight's  silver  radiance, 

Stir  e'en  the  icy  heart  to  worship  Pan, 
And  bring  the  soul  into  obedience. 

The  winds  and  storms  that  lashed  with  fury  wild, 
The  plains  and  forests  and  the  fields  of  grain, 

Were  watched  with  tender  wakeful  eyes  and  mild, 
Until  the  earth  was  quenched  in  falling  rain. 

The  wild  sublimity  of  sky  and  earth, 

Of  cloud  and  wind  and  storm  and  sun  and  stars, 
To  reverence  and  ecstasy  gave  birth, 

The  worship  pure  of  all  God's  avatars. 

'Twas  there  the  brilliant  waking  dreams  of  youth 
Seized  all  the  passions  of  the  mind  and  will, 

To  turn  them,  roaming,  to  the  path  of  truth, 
That  they  the  ways  of  Providence  fulfil. 


48  Original  Poems — English 

And  then  came  doubt,  the  pall  of  troubled  minds, 
To  blight  the  passion  for  eternal  life, 

And  wildered  every  spring  of  hope  that  finds, 
Mid  pain  and  grief,  a  rest  from  earthly  strife. 

The  grave  did  seem  to  close  the  sacred  door 
Of  faith,  when  man  reclines  beneath  the  sod, 

And  where  the  cypress  and  the  pine  watch  o'er 
The  gates  of  immortality  and  God. 

The  Sarsar  wind  of  death  that  swept  the  field 
Of  nature  and  her  joys,  in  plaintive  song, 

Bemoaned  the  withered  hopes  that  ne'er  would  yield 
Again  the  cheer  that  saves  the  human  throng. 

I  keenly  felt  the  sharp  and  painful  rod 

Of  doubt,   that  held  me  clad   in   death's   cold 
shrouds, 

While  watching  the  immortal  name  of  God 
Sublimely  setting  there  in  thunder  clouds. 

As  night  began  to  settle  o'er  the  soul, 

A  moment  came  when,  in  the  gloaming  bright, 

The  beacon  fire  of  life,  in  flaming  role, 
Lit  up  the  darkness  with  its  beaming  light. 

Again  the  earth  and  sky  and  storm  and  star 
Burst  forth  afresh  in  songs  of  jubilance, 

To  lume  the  path  that  leads  across  the  bar, 
And  cheer  the  days  with  all  God's  radiance. 

Henceforth  I  stood  upon  the  shores  of  time, 

*'  Of  that  immortal  sea  that  brought  us  hither." 

And  now  I  calmly  wait  the  call  sublime 
That  brings  us  life  forever  and  forever. 


Original  Poems — English  49 


NATURE'S  TEMPLE 

THE  sun  moved  down  the  western  sky, 
And  rested  on  the  beaming  shores 
Of  night's  infinity,  the  space 
In  which  Orion's  rising  light 
Is  waiting  for  his  silver  throne; 
Then  sailed  into  the  darkling  sea 
Of  night,  and  left  the  splendid  glow 
Of  twilight  in  his  radiant  wake. 

The  distant  mountains,  bathed  in  light 
And  hiding  the  horizon's  bar, 
Or  closing  in  the  blue  empyrean, 
Stand  high  in  minatory  grandeur, 
The  watchmen  at  the  portals  wide 
Of  day  and  night,  the  sentry  bold 
Whose  vigilance  sublimely  guards 
The  entrance  to  infinity. 

The  moon  rose  slowly  o'er  the  plain 
And  lighted  woods  and  placid  lake 
In  silver  sheen.      No  evening  winds 
Disturbed  the  lambent  air  or  moved 
The  silent  leaves  in  revelry, 
Or  chilled  the  ecstasy  of  man, 
Who  worships  there,  in  ardent  joy, 
The  sombre  glory  of  the  stars. 

In  dell  or  woodland  loneliness 

The  moonbeams'  silver  silence  guards 

The  cadence  of  /Eolian  music, 


50  Original  Poems — English 

That  moves  upon  the  balmy  air 
And  lulls  the  soul  into  the  peace 
Of  God,  or  thrills  the  passion  deep 
Of  reverie  and  song,  and  opes 
The  gateway  of  eternal  life. 

The  lights  and  shadows  in  the  vale 
Make  fairyland  for  elf  and  sprite, 
Or  wake  in  human  life  the  springs 
Of  true  romance  and  poetry. 
This  challenges  the  mind  and  heart 
To  love  and  worship  at  the  fane, 
Which  nature  builds  and  sanctifies 
For  the  immortal  name  of  God. 


Original  Poems — English  5 1 


LIFE  AND  DEATH 

WE  come  into  the  noisy  world 
Without  our  choice  and  ignorant 
Of  all  its  sorrows  and  its  sin: 
But  happy  on  our  mother's  breast, 
We  take  its  nourishment  and  feel 
Its  soft  and  pliant  touch,  and  glow 
With  infant  love,  the  keenest  sense 
Of  pleasure  and  of  helplessness. 
The  pangs  of  hunger  and  the  joy 
Of  sating  it  are  all  we  feel, 
Not  knowing  then,  in  innocence, 
Of  hope  or  after  fate  of  soul: 
But  sucklings  feeling  joy  and  pain ; 
No  knowledge  of  their  meaning  now 
Or  purpose  in  the  hands  of  God. 

The  tender  mind  in  slumber  waits 
The  day  when  consciousness  awakes 
And  infancy  begins  to  merge 
Into  the  happy  days  of  youth, 
When  growing  freedom  marks  the  joy 
Of  passion  in  our  work  or  play. 
No  duties  yet  obtrude,  restrain, 
Or  rob  our  lives  of  pleasure  keen, 
But  cheerily  we  live  ablaze 
With  liberty  and  wanton  joy, 
Until  the  call  of  manhood's  age 
And  love  doth  give  a  sober  touch 
To  wilding  passions  glowing  there, 
And  turns  them  into  happiness 
The  prize  of  life,  of  home  and  God. 


52  Original  Poems — English 

And  then,  with  sudden  bound,  comes  death, 

The  reaper  pale,  whose  ruthless  blade 

Now  cuts  the  cords  of  love  and  life, 

And  leaves  behind  the  withered  leaves 

Of  fortune  and  of  happiness. 

The  joys  of  life  were  in  the  place 

Of  hope  and  immortality: 

No  thought  of  bliss  beyond  the  grave 

Was  wanted  there,  and  heaven  filled 

The  passing  moments  with  its  prize: 

But  when  the  pall  of  cruel  death 

Falls  o'er  the  happy  sunny  days, 

Men's  bleeding  hearts  will  wistful  gaze 

Into  eternity  for  hope 

And  find  therein  the  peace  of  God. 

'Tis  not  for  self  we  feel  the  glow 
Of  passion  for  continued  life, 
But  love  for  those  whose  passage  mars 
The  growth  of  soul  and  all  its  aims. 
For  death,  in  his  remorseless  path, 
Leaves  here  no  evidence  for  hope, 
And  we  must  seek  its  guerdon  there 
Where  chance  may  bring  a  cheering  word 
From  out  the  gates  of  grief  and  pain. 
But  when  we  bridge  the  sombre  gulf 
Twixt  life  and  death,  and  learn  that  love 
Still  waits  upon  the  shining  shores 
Of  time  and  fate  to  meet  us  there, 
We  watch  forever  and  forever 
The  distant  purposes  of  God. 


Original  Poems — English  53 


NATURE. 

THE  Paradise  of  man  has  varied  in  its  claims 

From  past  to  future,  and  when  legend  turned  the  past 

And  its  splendid  vision  into  ashes  and  illusion, 

We  asked  of  God  that,  in  his  grace,  we  might  enjoy, 

In  yellow  meads  of  asphodel,  exempt  from  toil, 

The  princely  boon  of  everlasting  rest  and  peace. 

But  we  forget  the  unity  of  nature  and  her  aims, 
In  making  work  and  labor  hard  the  means  of  growth. 
The  revelation  of  the  scenes  behind  the  veil, 
And  their  identity  with  mortal  life  and  pain, 
Dissolves  the  dreams  of  golden  ages  after  death, 
Exhibiting  the  sterner  ways  of  Providence. 

For  God  still  hides  behind  the  mask  of  nature  there 
And  all  his  gilded  promises  of  light  and  joy 
Still  ask  for  unremitting  toil,  would  we  secure 
The  meed  of  progress  and  her  happy  treasures, 
And  pain,  with  all  its  brood  of  bitter  tears  and  grief 
Still  lingers  far  beyond  the  shadows  of  the  grave. 


Part  II 
ORIGINAL  POEMS 

German 


56  Original  Poems — German 

O  sei  mir  eine  schb'ne  Seele 
Nicht  nur  ein  schones  Angesicht, 
Und  noch  mem  Herz  nur  eile 
Auch  n>o  mein  Auge  blickt. 


Ich  suche  nur  dein  liebes  Herz 
Verlange  nur  die  Seligkeit 
In  deine  Augen  recht  zu  schaun, 
Aus  dem  die  Liebe  immer  strahlt. 
Das  isl  mir  nun  ein  rein  Cebet. 


Im  Wahn  der  holden  Liebe  findet  man 
Was  alles  Erdeleben  lichten  £ann. 


Das  arme  Menschenherz,  das  einsam  zieht 
Des  Lebens  Pfad,  im  Nebel  sucht  den  Weg 
Nach  Himmelslust,  und  nie  das  Cluck  erlebi 
Noch  ahnt  u>as  ihm  die  Seligkeit  behdlt. 


Im  holden  Wahn  der  rvachen  Traume 
Gehn  mir  die  schonen  Tage  hin. 

Im  tvachen  Traum  der  holden  Liebe 
Geht  mir  das  seVge  Leben  hin. 

Im  wachen  Traum  der  holden  Liebe, 
Da  weilet  Cluck  und  Seligkeit. 


Original  Poems — German  57 

OH,  be  to  me  a  lovely  soul 
And  not  a  lovely  face  alone. 
And  let  my  heart  then  hasten 
Where  now  my  eyes  are  gazing. 


'Tis  only  for  your  heart  I  ask, 
And  only  seek  the  happiness 
Of  gazing  straight  into  thy  eyes, 
Whence  love  doth  ever  stream. 
That  is  for  me  my  only  prayer. 


'Tis  in  the  frenzy  of  a  tender  love  man  finds 
What  will  illumine  all  his  earthly  life. 


The  bleeding  human  heart  that  lonely  treads 
The  path  of  life,  in  clouds  doth  seek  the  way 
To  heaven's  happiness,  and  never  feels  its  joy, 
Nor  dreams  of  what  is  held  in  store  for  it. 


In  the  gentle  joys  of  waking  dream 
I  pass  the  lovely  days  agleam. 

In  waking  dream  of  tender  love 
Dwells  ever  joy  and  happiness. 

In  waking  dream  of  tender  love 
I  pass  my  happy  life  away. 


58  Original  Poems — German 

Im  toachen  Traum  der  holden  Liebe 
Cluhen  mir  die  schonsten  Triebe. 

Ich  sage,  nicht  verloren  geht  die  Liebe 
Wo  herrschen,  sehnsuchtsvoll,  die  schonsten 
Triebe. 


Die  Heimat  ist  T»o  meine  Liebe  1st. 
Fern>ez7e,  Herz,  und  lass  die  Seligkeit, 
Als  immer  in  der  Lebenslust  du  bist, 
Beharren  freilich  in  der 


An  meiner  Brust  J»o  deine  Heimat  ist 
Die  holde  Liebe  deine  Leiden  heilt. 
An  deiner  Brust  wo  meine  Heimat  ist 
Die  holde  Liebe  meine  Leiden  heilt. 


Sollen  rvir  die  Kunst 

Und  auch  Religion 

Mit  einander  recht  behalten  P 

Die  Cotter  lieben  die  Religion 

Die  Menschen  lieben  nur  die  Kunst, 

Der  Erde  schoneren  Gestalten. 

Wenn  n>/r  bei  Himmelslust 
Und  geistlichen  Cedanken 

Noch  beharren, 

Dann  werden  alle  Lebensahnung, 
Und  auch  das  sinnliche  Bestreben 

Nicht  erstarren. 


Original  Poems — German  59 

In  waking  dream  of  tender  love 
There  ever  glow  the  finest  passions. 

I  would  assert  that  love  is  never  lost 
Where  rule,  in  sighs,  the  finest  passions. 


My  home  is  where  my  love  subsists. 
Then  wait  and  let  thy  happiness, 
While  in  the  joys  of  life  thou  art, 
Stay  safely  in  eternity. 


There  on  my  breast  where  is  thy  home, 
My  tender  love  will  heal  your  sorrows. 
And  on  thy  breast  where  is  my  home, 
Thy  tender  love  will  heal  my  sorrows. 


Should  we  our  art 
And,  too,  religion 
Together  rightly  hold? 
The  gods  do  love  religion: 
And  man  loves  only  art, 
The  finer  forms  of  earth. 

When  we  by  heaven's  joys 
And  spirit's  noble  thoughts 

Still  abide, 

Then  all  the  dreams  of  life 
And  all  the  aims  of  sense 

Will  not  harden. 


60  Original  Poems — German 


Weii  in  das  Leben  der  Vergangenheit, 

Jenseits  der  Jugendjahre,  blicfyen  n>ir  ziiruck 

Und  suchen  immer  in  Errinnerung  die  holde  Zeit, 

Die  frohe  Lust  der  Kindertaget  das  verlorne  duel? 

Der  Alien:  aber  noch  in  aller  Lebenspein, 

Wo  Schmerz  und  Freude  mischen  sich  nur  freund- 

lich  em, 

Die  Stunden  werden  heilig  durch  der  Liebe  Macht. 
Die  ivilden  Jugendtage  denn  verlieren  immer  triibe 
Das  hohe  Cluck  der  Menschen  oder  ivarten  in  der 

Nacht 
Der  Seele  auf  die  schb'ne   C otter ddmmerung  der 

Liebe. 


Original  Poems — German  61 


Far  in  the  distant  past  of  life 

Beyond  the  years  of  youth  we  gaze, 

And  ever  seek  from  memory  the  golden  age, 

The  joyous  days  of  childhood,  the  lost  happiness 

Of  older  men :  but  still  in  all  the  pains  of  life, 

Where  joy  and  sorrow  friendly  intermingle, 

The  time  was  sanctified  by  love. 

The  wilder  days  of  youth  will  ever  lose  in  pain 

The  higher  happiness  of  man,  or  wait  in  darkness 

Of  soul  the  noble  God's  twilight  of  love. 


62  Original  Poems — German 


Das  eB>ig   Weibliche 
Zieht  uns  hinan. — G(ETHE. 


Warum  nicht  auch 

Das  eivig  Mannliche? 

Soil  es  etrva  darum 

Weil  das  ervig  Mdnnliche 

1st  das  elpig  Teuflische? 

Ich  hoffe  nicht.     Die  holden  Frauen 

Doch  sollen  sich  nicht  fyreuzigen 

Um  ernst  die  Manner  tief  zu  heilen. 

Zu  Grunde  gehen  sollen  alle  Manner 

Die  auf  gebroch  'nem  Herz  der  Frauen 

Des  Lebens  Heil  and  Werth  noch  suchen. 

Wenn  sie  einander  £ennen, 

Sich  durch  die  Liebe  gelten; 

Wenn  Manner  auch  die  Pflichten 

Welt  iiber  Liiste  stellen, 

Und  schonen  Liebes  Sternen 

Mil  holdem  Auge  folgen, 

Dann  bringt  der  edle  Trieb 

Die  ganze  Welt  zusammen.* 

*  Written  in  criticism  of  Goethe.  Faust  was  Goethe's  auto- 
biography. Even  in  Caesar's  time  the  German  women  bore  the 
toils  and  pains  of  life  and  they  have  never  been  emancipated. 


Original  Poems — German  63 


The  eternal  womanly 
Leads  us  onward. 


Why  also  not 
The  eternal  manly? 
Is  it  because 
The  eternal  manly 
Is  the  eternal  devilish? 
I  hope  not  so.     For  gentle  woman 
Should  not  assume  the  sacrifice 
To  bring  to  man  a  deep  salvation. 
All  men  should  find  destruction 
Who  build  upon  a  broken  heart 
The  worth  of  their  eternal  life. 
When  they  each  other  know, 
Through  love  their  lives  to  save, 
When  men  their  duties  place 
Beyond  the  rule  of  passion, 
And  follow  with  tender  heart 
The  beautiful  star  of  love, 
That  noble  light  will  bring 
The  greater  world  together. 


Part  III 
TRANSLATIONS 

German  Lyrics 


66  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Die  Sonne  ibnt  nach  alter  Weise 
In  Briidersphdren  Wettgesang, 
Und  ihre  vorgeschrieb'ne  Reise 
Vollendet  sie  mit  Donnergang. 
Ihr  Anblick  gibt  den  Engeln  Starve 
Wenn  keiner  sie  ergr linden  mag; 
Die  unbegreiflich  hohen  Werfce 
Sind  herrlich  tvie  a  mersten  Tag. 

Und  schnell  und  unbegreiflich  schnelle 
Dreht  sich  umher  der  Erde  Pracht; 
Es  rvechselt  Paradieseshelle 
Mit  tiefer  schauerv  oiler  Nacht; 
Es  schdumt  das  Meer  in  breiten  Fliissen 
Am  tiefen  Grund  der  Felsen  auf, 
Und  Pels  und  Meer  v>ird  fortgerissen 
In  eT»lg  schnellen  Sphdrenlauf. 

Und  Stiirme  grausen  um  die  IVette, 

Vom  Meer  aufs  Land,  vom  Land  aufs  Afeer, 

Und  bilden  wiithend  eine  Kette 

Die  tiefsten  Wir^ung  rings  umher. 

Da  flammt  ein  blitzendes  Verheeren 

Dem  Pfade  vor  des  Donnerschlags; 

Doch  deine  Boten,  //err,  verehren 

Das  sanfte  Wandeln  deines  Tags. 

Der  Anblick  gibt  den  Engeln  Starke 
Da  £emer  dich  ergrunden  mag9 
Und  alle  deine  hohen  Werke 
Sind  herrlich,  v>ie  am  ersten  Tag. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  67 

THE  sun  still  sings  his  ancient  song 
In  rival  music  with  the  stars, 
And  in  his  predetermined  path 
He  ends  his  course  in  thunder  tones. 
His  visage  gives  the  angels  strength 
When  none  can  comprehend  his  ways 
The  marvelous  majestic  works 
Are  crowned  as  on  the  first  of  days. 

And  fast  and  faster  in  its  course 
The  splendor  of  the  world  unfolds ; 
And  Eden's  light  doth  alternate 
With  the  sublimer  pall  of  night ; 
The  foaming  sea  in  roaring  floods 
Beats  hard  upon  the  rocky  shore, 
And  rock  and  sea  are  madly  torn 
In  its  eternal  swirl  and  rage. 

The  storm  doth  rage  upon  the  plain, 
From  sea  to  land,  from  land  to  sea, 
And  forms  a  wild  and  maddened  wave 
Upon  the  deep  and  churning  sea. 
The  lightning  sweeps  across  the  sky 
Before  its  thunder-riven  path; 
Yet  thy  commands,  Oh  Lord,  reveres 
The  gentle  passing  of  thy  days. 

The  vision  gives  the  angels  strength 
When  none  can  comprehend  thy  ways, 
And  all  thy  greater  nobler  works 
Are  crowned  as  on  the  first  of  days. 


68  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Wenn  sich  lau  die  Lufte  fallen 
Um  den  grunumschrdnJ^ten  Plan 
Susse  Dufte,  Nebelhullen 
Sdnfyt  die  Ddmmerung  heron: 
Lispelt  leise  susse  Frieden, 
Wiegt  das  Herz  in  Kindesruh9 
Und  den  Augen  dieses  Miiden 
Schliesst  des  Tages  P forte  zu! 

Nacht  ist  schon  hereingesunken, 
Schliesst  sich  heilig  Stern  an  Stern 
Crosse  Lichter,  £/eine  Funfyen 
Glitzern  nah  und  gldnzen  fern; 
Glitzern  hier  im  See  sich  spiegelnd9 
Gldnzen  droben  fylarer  Nacht; 
Tiefsten  Ruhens  G/u'c^  besiegelnd, 
Herrscht  des  Monies  voile  Pracht. 

Wunsch  um  Wunsche  zu  erlangen, 
Shaue  nach  dem  Glanze  dort! 
Leise  bist  du  nur  umfangen, 
Schlaf  ist  Schale,  lP/r/  sie  fort! 
Saume  nicht,  dich  zu  erdreisten9 
Wenn  die  Menge  zaudernd  schweift; 
Alles  harm  der  Edle  leisten, 
Der  versteht  und  rasch  ergreift. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  69 


When  play  the  gentle  evening  winds 
Upon  the  green  and  lovely  swards, 
With  sweet  perfumes  and  floating  clouds, 
The  twilight  falls  upon  the  plain. 
Sighs  there  the  peaceful  air  of  night, 
And  rocks  the  heart  in  childhood's  rest, 
While  on  one's  weary  wistful  eyes 
Will  shut  the  golden  gates  of  days. 

Nightfall  comes  darkly  o'er  the  lea, 
Star  follows  star  in  dreamy  peace, 
And  starry  fires,  both  great  and  small, 
Still  glimmer  far  and  glimmer  near, 
And  glimmer  on  the  mirror  lake, 
Or  twinkle  in  the  deep  blue  sky; 
Bring  happiness  and  rest  and  there 
The  moon's  full  splendor  brightly  reigns. 

Whoever  would  fulfil  his  wish 
Must  look  upon  the  glory  there! 
But  lightly  you  are  now  embraced, 
And  sleep  is  empty,  throw  it  hence! 
But  linger  not  thyself  to  venture 
When  sways  the  doubting  multitude; 
The  brave  achieves,  then,  all  his  task 
Who  understands  and  quickly  acts. 


70  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Selig  der  Liebende, 
Der  die  betrubende 
Heilsam   und  ubende 
Prufung  bestanden. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Heute,  nur  heute 
Bin  ich  so  schb'n; 
Morgen,  ach  morgen 
Muss  Alles  verge/in/ 

TVur  diese  Stunde 
Bist  du  noch  mein; 
Sterben,  ach  sterben 
Soil  ich  allein. 

STORM. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  71 


Happy  the  lover 
Who  can  suffer 
The  sadly  healing 
Discipline  of  pain. 


Today,  and  only  today 
Am  I  so  beautiful; 
Tomorrow,  Oh  tomorrow 
Must  all  then  vanish! 

Only  this  hour 
Are  you  still  mine; 
Only  then  die 
Must  I  alone. 


72  Translations — German  Lyrics 


CEBET 

Nicht  fleh*  ich  urn  den  Segen  e&'gen  G/tic^es, 
Nicht  fleh*  ich  um  ein  fliichtig  Erdengut; 
Git,  £fl>'ger,  nur  in  Sturmen  des  Ceschickes 
Dem  Ceiste  Kraft  und  meinem  Herzen  Muth! 
Den  Pfad  des  Rechtes  lass  mich  ruhig  schreitent 
Ob  still  die  Luft,  ob  wild  die  Stiirme  B>e/m, 
Und  eines  gib  mir,  Coil,  zu  alien  Zeiten: 
O,  die  ich  libe,  lass  mich  glucklich  sehn! 

Nur  der  ist  arm,  der  einsam  zieht  die  Pfade, 
Vor  dem  himveg  der  Liebe  Engel  fliehn. 
Dir9  Schicfysal,  Dank!  Du  hast  in  deiner  Gnade 
Der  LieV  und  Freundschaft  Segen  mir  verliehn. 
O  Alle,  die  mir  Liebe  je  gespendet, 
Auf  Blumenauen  lass  sie  ervig  gehnt 
Dass  nie  ihr  Cluck  und  ihre  Wonne  endet! 
O,  die  ich  libe,  lass  mich  gliicklich  sehn! 

Sieh,  ihre  Freuden  will  ich  jubelnd  theilen! 
Mich  soil  bervegen,  u;as  ihr  Herz  bervegt. 
Ich  Weiss  es,  meine  Wunden  toerden  heilen, 
So  lang  sie  mild  die  Hand  der  Liebe  pflegt! 
An  ihre  Freude  soil  mein  Herz  sich  sonnent 
Wenn  f»elkend  meines  G/uc^es  Blumen  stehnt 
Und  ihre  Wonnen  seien  meine  Wonnen, 
O,  die  ich  //fee,  lass  mich  gliicklich  sehn! 

RlTTERSHAUS. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  73 


A  PRAYER 

I  DO  not  ask  the  blessing  of  eternal  joy, 
I  do  not  ask  for  transient  earthly  goods. 
Give,  Oh  Eternal,  in  the  storms  of  strife, 
My  heart  its  courage  and  my  soul  its  strength. 
The  path  of  duty  let  me  calmly  tread, 
When  still  the  breeze  or  wild  the  winds  about, 
And  one  thing  give  me,  God,  in  all  my  life. 
Oh  may  all  those  be  happy  whom  I  love ! 

For  only  he  is  poor,  who  lonely  treads  the  path 
Of  life,  away  from  which  the  love  of  angels  flees. 
But  thanks,  Oh  Fate !  thou  hast  in  grace  to  me 
The  blessing  pure  of  love  and  friendship  shown. 
Oh,  all  that  shower  love  upon  my  life 
On  flower  meads  forever  let  them  roam, 
And  never  end  their  joy  or  happiness. 
Oh  may  all  those  be  happy  whom  I  love! 

Behold,  their  joys  I  would  most  happy  share, 
What  gently  moves  their  hearts  will  also  mine. 
I  know  it  now,  my  wounds  will  surely  heal 
So  long  as  they  are  touched  by  hands  of  love. 
On  their  bright  joys  my  soul  shall  dream, 
When  withered  pines  my  bloom  of  fortune  dear, 
And  when  their  joys  are  happiness  for  me, 
Oh  may  all  those  be  happy  whom  I  love! 


74  Translations — German  Lyrics 


NUR  COTT 

Sieh*  tt>ie  du  auch  dem  Theuren  Freund  vertraut, 
Auf  dessen  Treu   du  sicher  stets  gebaut, 
Es  gibt  em  Leid — da  stehst  du  doch  allein, 
Urn  elnzig  nur  mil  deinem  Cott  zu  sein. 

Und  v>enn  dut  toaltend,  eine  Welt  feen>egf, 
Das  grosse  schuft,  das  £/eine  fromm  gehegt, 
Im  schwersten  Kampi,  da  hist  du  doch  allein, 
Um  elnzig  nur  in  Cottes  Hut  zu  sein. 

Und  stehst  du  vor  des  Lebens  letztem  Schmerz, 
Bricht  einst  dir  selbst  das  feste,  treue  Herz9 
Im  Tod  lasst  dich  die  ganze  Welt  allein, 
Nur  Cott  rvird  schirmend  en>z'g  bei  dir  sein. 

HULSEN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  75 


ONLY  GOD 

BEHOLD,  when  you  a  friend  have  trusted, 
Upon  whose  faith  you  surely  builded, 
There  is  one  pain:  you  stand  alone, 
And  you  can  only  be  with  God. 

And  when  you  rule  or  move  a  world, 
Create  the  great,  or  smallest  things, 
In  cruel  strife,  you  are  alone, 
And  solely  in  the  care  of  God. 

When  pain  doth  mark  the  end  of  life, 
When  once  the  firm  true  heart  doth  break, 
At  death  the  world  leaves  you  alone, 
'Tis  only  God  may  be  your  refuge. 


76  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Ihr  naht  euch  rvieder,  schwankende  Cestalten! 
Die  frilh  sich  einst  dem  iruben  Blick  gezeigt. 
Versuch*  ich  wohl,  euch  diesmal  fest  zu  halten  P 
Fuhr  ich  mem  Herz  noch  jenem  Wahn  geneigt  P 
Ihr  drdngt  euch  zu!    Nun  gut,  so  magi  ihr  walten, 
W ie  ihr  aust  Dunst  und  Nebel  um  mich  steigt; 
Mein  Busen  fuhlt  sich  jugendlich  erschuttert 
Vom  Zauberhauch  der  euren  Zug  umrvittert. 

Ihr  bringt  mit  euch  die  Bilder  froher  Tage, 
Und  manche  Hebe  Schatten  steigen  auf; 
Gleich  einer  alien,  halbverklungen  Sage, 
Kommt  erste  LieV  und  Freundschaft  mit  herauf; 
Der  Schmerz  rvird  neu,  es  wiederhold  die  Klage 
Des  Lebens  labyrinthisch  irren  Lauf, 
Und  nennt  die  Cuten,  die,  um  schone  Stunden 
Vom  Cluck  getduscht,  vor  mir  hinrveggeschrvunden. 

Sie  hb'ren  nicht  die  folgenden  Gesdnge, 
Die  Seelen,  denen  ich  die  ersten  sang; 
Zerstoben  ist  das  freundlich  Gedrdnge, 
Verfylungen,  ach!  der  erste  Wiederklang. 
Mein  Lied  ertb'nt  der  unbefyannten  Menge, 
Ihr  Beifall  selbst  macht  meinem  Herzen  bang 
Und  was  sich  sonst  an  meinem  Lied  erfreuet, 
Wenn  es  noch  lebi,  irrt  in  der  Welt  zerstreuet. 

Und  mich  ergreift  ein  langst  entwdhntes  Sehnen 

Nach  jenem  stillen,  ernsten  Geisterreich; 

Es  schwebei  nun  in  unbestimmten  Tdnen 

Mein  lispelnd  Lied,  der  Aeolsharfe  gleich; 

Ein  Schauer  fasst  mich,  Throne  folgt  den  Thrdnen, 

Das  strenge  Herz,  es  fuhlt  sich  mild  und  weich; 

Was  ich  besitze,  seh*  ich  r»ie  im  Weiten, 

Und  r»as  verschr»and,  rvird  mir  zu  Wirklichfyeiten. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  77 

Ye  come  again,  ye  floating  mystic  forms! 
That  once  did  early  cross  my  troubled  vision. 
But  shall  I  try  this  once  to  firmly  grasp  you? 
Still  is  my  soul  possessed  of  that  illusion? 
You  press  me  hard !  So  may  you  conquer  now, 
As  out  from  clouds  and  mists  you  rise  about  me; 
My  bosom  shakes  with  ever  youthful  passion 
By  magic  breath  that  blows  about  your  train. 

You  bring  with  you  the  vision  now  of  happy  days 
And  many  lovely  phantoms  rise  upon  the  lea, 
And  like  an  ancient  half  forgotten  song 
Ye  bring  my  love  and  friendship  back  to  me; 
The  plaintive  cries  of  pain  have  come  again, 
To  linger  in  the  winding  labyrinths  of  life, 
And  name  the  Good,  that  lighted  all  the  finer  days 
Of  happiness,  but  now  have  vanished  far  from  me. 

They  do  not  listen  to  the  songs  that  follow, 
Those  early  friends  for  whom  I  sang  the  first ; 
The  friendly  company  has  passed  to  dust, 
And, faded  far  the  echoes  of  my  songs. 
My  verse  is  heard  by  unknown  multitudes 
Whose  praise  is  only  grief  unto  my  heart ; 
And  who  had  once  rejoiced  about  my  work, 
If  they  still  live,  will  roam  the  world  afar. 

There  comes  to  me  an  old  unwonted  sigh 
To  feel  the  earnest  silent  spirit  world. 
My  lisping  song  moves  on  in  tender  tones, 
The  music  soft  of  an  ,/Eolian  harp; 
A  thrill  breaks  over  me  and  tear  on  tear: 
The  strong  unyielding  heart  in  sadness  melts; 
What  I  may  have  seems  far  beyond  the  bar, 
And  what  had  vanished  there  comes  back  to  me. 


78  Translations — German  Lyrics 


MONDNACHT  IM  CEBIRCE 

Ich  schritt  hinunter  vom  bemoosten  Gipfel 
Auf  jdhem  Pfade  zrvischen  schlanfyen  Tannen, 
Die  Sonne  schien  noch  auf  die  hochsten  Wipfelt 
Als  tief  im  Thai  schon  Nacht  und  Nebel  sf>annen. 

Bald  rvogten  dusfre  Schleier  mir  entgegen 
Und  schlugen  uber  meinem  Haupt  zusammen, 
Schwer  oolite  Angst  sich  auf  das  Herz  mir  legen, 
Wie  Strauch  und  Baum  in  Finsterniss  verschwammen. 

Da  trat  ich  aus  des  IValdes  tief  stem  Dunfyel 
Und  sah  den  Vollmond  hinter  breiten  Matien. 
Schrdg  ging  zur  Seite  mir  im  Thaugefunfyel 
Auf  freier  Ebne  mein  gedehnter  Schatten. 

Sennhutten  hier  und  dort  in  schonen  Gruppen 
Und  rings  um  sie,  gelagert  auf  den  Almen, 
Viel  fyraft'ge  Kinder  in  gedrdngten  Truppen, 
Das  Haupt  erhebend  aus  den  hohen  Halmen. 

Die  tiefste  Ruhe  driiber  ausgegossen9 
Kein  Menschenlaut  und  kernes  Hundes  Bellen: 
Der  mondumhellte  Lagerplatz  umschlossen 
Vom  schwarzem  Wald  auf  sanften  Hugelrvellen. 

Dahinter  Gletcherrucken,  prdchtig  flimmernd9 
Und  Bdchlein  uber  Felsenschultern  fallend, 
Wie  schmaller  Silberfdden  magisch  schimmernd, 
Melodisch  in  die  Thaler  niederivallend. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  79 


MOONLIGHT  IN  THE  MOUNTAINS 

I  WALKED  along  and  under  mossy  cliffs 
On  rugged  path  among  the  slender  pines : 
The  sun  still  shone  upon  the  mountain  tops, 
And  in  the  valley  deep  lay  clouds  and  night. 

Soon  came  a  hiding  veil  against  my  sight 
And  overhead  shut  out  the  light  of  day. 
Then  fear  and  terror  almost  seized  my  heart, 
As  trees  and  bushes  swam  in  darkness  deep. 

I  hastened  then  from  out  the  wood's  dark  gloom 
To  see  the  full  moon  shining  in  the  meadow. 
And  at  my  side  and  in  the  sparkling  dew 
There  stretched  upon  the  ground  my  shadow. 

And  here  and  there  were  huts  in  pretty  groups, 
And  round  about  them  camping  on  the  sward 
Were  hearty  kine  in  thickly  crowded  troops, 
With  heads  raised  haughtily  above  the  mead. 

Profoundest  silence  reigned  upon  the  mountain, 
No  human  sound  or  moaning  voice  of  hound: 
The  moonlit  camping  ground  was  sheltered  there 
By  forests  dark  on  grassy  waving  hills. 

Behind  were  glacier  fields,  in  silver  sheen, 
And  little  brooks  that  fell  o'er  rocky  steeps, 
Like  tiny  silver  threads  in  magic  light, 
Melodious  and  echoed  in  the  valleys. 


80  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Em  silsser  Zauber  Jvar  auf  mich  gefyommen, 
Ich  wusste  nicht  ivie  meiner  Brust  geschehen. 
Was  ich  geheim  im  Mondenlicht  vernommen, 
Das  v>ird  mir  ervig  durch  die  Seele  gehen. 

— BUBE. 


Denn  Tver  den  Besten  seiner  Zeit  genug  gethan 
Der  hat  gelebt  fur  alle  Zeiten. 

SCHILLER. 


DEN  SORCENVOLLEN 

Wem  sich  zum  Erdenrveh  die  Sorgen  noch  gesellten 

Der  Candle  unterm  Sternenzelt; 
Im  Anschaun  jenes  Heers  von  ungezahlten  Welien 

Vergisst  er  diese  Welt. 

BARTHEL. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  81 

A  sweet  enchantment  seized  upon  me  there, 
I  knew  not  what  had  happened  to  my  heart. 
But  what  I  felt  alone  in  moonlight's  silver  glory 
Will  echo  in  my  soul  forever  and  forever. 


He  who  has  done  the  best  for  his  own  age 
Has  lived  for  all  eternity. 


FOR   THE  CARE-BURDENED 

WHOEVER  suffers  earthly  pain  and  care 
Should  wander  under  starry  sky; 
And  in  the  vision  of  unnumbered  stars 
He  will  forget  the  world. 


82  Translations — German  Lyrics 


BESCHEIDE  DICH 

Wer  hdtte  sich  im  Traume  stolzer  Stunden 
Nicht  einst  auf  Gipfeln  voller  Glanz  gese/ienP 
Nicht  tief  in  sich  des  Geistes  Gotterrvehen 
Wie  eines  Frilhlings  macht'gen  Hauch  empfunden? 

Dock  ach!  bald  ist  der  holde  Wahn  entschrvunden ; 
Du  siehst  das  Bild,  das  dich  genecfyt,  zergehen, 
Musst  tief  in  Thalesddmmerung  traurig  stehen, 
Und  fuhlst  den  Fuss,  der  aufrvarts  will,  gebunden. 

Dann  fylage  nicht;  Nur  Wenigen  vorbehalten 
Ward  dieses  Loos:  hoch  von  der  Menscheit  Zinne 
Ein  neues  Banner  gloreich  zu  entfalten. 

Thu   ab  den  Neid!  Und  hellen  Blicks  beginne 
In  deinem  engern  Kreise  frisch  zu  schalten, 
Und  auch  das  ^leine  thu   mil  grossem  Sinne. 

ENDRULAT. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  83 


HUMILITY 

WHO  has  not  seen  himself  in  proudest  dreams 
Upon  the  mountain  tops  in  splendor  glorious, 
Or,  like  the  mighty  breath  of  spring,  has  felt 
The  throes  divine  sink  deeply  in  his  soul? 

And  yet  the  lovely  dream  soon  fades  away; 

You  see  the  fascinating  vision  vanish, 

Stand  sadly  in  the  twilight  of  the  valley, 

And  feel  the  strength  that  upward  strives  is  bound. 

Mourn  not  thy  fate!  It  is  reserved  for  few 

In  life,  above  the  battlements  of  man, 

To  raise  a  new  and  glorious  standard  there. 

Cast  envy  off!    Begin  with  new  resolve 
And  cheerful  countenance,  in  smaller  fields, 
Do  thou  the  humbler  task  with  larger  purpose. 


84  Translations — German  Lyrics 


AUF  DEM  FRIEDHOF 

Auf  den  Kirchhof  lenfct9  ich  meine  Schritte, 
Wo  so  friedlich  Crab  an  Crab  sich  reiht, 
Und  das  Hochfyreuz  in  der  Steine  Mitte 
Uns  erinnert  an  die 


Was  im  Leben  sich  streng  geschiedent 
Hat  vereinend  hier  der  Tod  gesellt. 
Alles  athmet  feierlichen  Frieden, 
Scheint  beriihrt  vom  Hauch  der  Geister&elt. 

Jedes  Denkmal  trdgt  der  Liebe  Zuge, 
Glaube  hofft  auf  Wiedersehen  dort. 
Mii  dem  Tod  fiiegt  Leidenschaft  und  Luge, 
Nur  r»as  gut  und  edel  ist  lebt  fort. 

BLANCKARTS. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  85 


IN  THE  GRAVEYARD 

IN  the  church  yard  still  I  turned  my  steps, 
Where  so  peacefully  the  graves  are  lined, 
And  the  cross  amidst  the  monuments 
There  reminds  us  of  eternity. 

What  in  life  so  sternly  separates 
Death  unites  in  harmony  and  peace. 
All  exhales  but  happiness  and  joy, 
Seeming  touched  by  winds  of  Paradise. 

Every  monument  bears  lines  of  love, 
Faith  there  hopes  to  meet  again  beyond. 
Passion  and  illusion  vanishes  with  death, 
Only  what  is  good  and  noble  lives  forever. 


86  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ENTSCHULDICUNC 

Kann  ich  dafur,  dass  ich  sein  Herz  ihm  raubte, 
Als  mem  Gesang  zur  Laute  ihn  entzuckt? 
Kann  ich  dafdr,  dass  er  geliebt  sich  glaubte, 
Als  ich  mein  Auge  freundlich  angeblic^t? 
Kann  ich  dafur,  toenn  meine  sanften  Mienen 
Ihm  sagten:  meine  Seufzer  gelten  dir, 
Und  ihm  Gewahrung  zu  verheissen  schienen, 
Kann  ich  dafiir? 

Und  rvenn  ich  einst  in  trauter  Mondnachtstunde, 
An  seiner  Schulter  warm  mein  Kopfchen  hielt, 
Kann  ich  dafur,  dass  er  geliebt  sich  glaubte, 
Geschlossnen  Auges,  einen  Kuss  gefuhlt? 
Und  dass  ich  schwieg,  als  mich  sein  Arm  umschlungen, 
Wie  deute  ich  nur  dieses  Rdthsel  mi'rP 
— Just  hat  die  Nachtigall  so  suss  gesungen — 
Kann  ich  dafiir? 

Kann  ich  dafur,  dass,  du,  der  so  vermessen, 
Fur  langstentschrvund'nes  noch  Errinn'rung  hast? 
Kann  ich  dafur,  dass  ich  schon  langst  vergessen, 
Was  mir  so  fremd  £/ingf,  v>ie  em  Mdrchen  fast? 
Und  Jvenn  ein  And'rer  besser  mir  gef alien 
Und  es  berauscht  mich,  schwdrt  er  Liebe  mir 
Und  kusst  mich  beim  Gesang  der  Nachtigallen, 
Kann  ich  dafur? 

POOL. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  87 


EXCUSES 

AM  I  to  blame  because  I  gained  his  heart 
And  ravished  him  with  songs  upon  the  lute? 
Am  I  to  blame  because  he  thought  he  loved 
When  I  did  gaze  on  him  with  friendly  eyes? 
Am  I  to  blame  because  my  tender  look 
Did  say  to  him :  '  My  sighs  are  all  for  you  ', 
And  seemed  to  give  the  promise  of  my  heart, 
Am  I  to  blame? 

And  when  I  once  in  lovely  moonlight  hour, 
Did  hold  my  head  upon  his  shoulder  warm. 
Am  I  to  blame,  if  I  did  feel  a  kiss 
Upon  my  lips,  with  eyes  so  sweetly  closed? 
And  sat  so  still  when  he  embraced  me  there, 
How  can  I  solve  this  riddle  to  myself? 
— The  nightingale  just  sang  its  song  so  sweet — 
Am  I  to  blame? 

Am  I  to  blame  because  you  rashly  hold 
In  memory  what  faded  long  ago? 
Am  I  to  blame  because  I've  long  forgotten 
What  sounds  so  strange  to  me,  a  fairy  tale? 
And  when  another  now  has  pleased  me  better 
And  charmed  me,  swearing  all  his  love  for  me, 
And  kissed  me  when  we  heard  the  nightingale, 
Am  I  to  blame? 


88  Translations — German  Lyrics 


In  den  Sturmen  dieser  Zeit 
Ohne  Glauben,  ohne  Frieden, 
Ohne  Herz  und  Freudigfyeit, 
1st,  O  See/e,  air  beschieden 
Durch  der  Dichtfcunst  Zaubermacht, 
Was  allein  nur  lohnt  das  Leben: 
Still  begliickt  und  still  ergeben, 
Wie  ein  Traum  dahin  zu  schrveben 
Ueber  ird'sche  Pein  und  Nacht. 

CERRI. 


So  lange  reir  vertrauen 
Auf  umren  eig'nen  Muth, 
Und  hoffen  vorrvdrts  schauen9 
So  lang  ist  Alles  gut. 
Und  sei  dies  Hoffen,  sehnen 
Auch  nur  ein  schb'ner  Traum, 
Zu  trocknen  deine  Thrdnen, 
Gib  ihm  im  Herzen  Raum. 

CERRI. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  89 


In  the  storms  of  passing  life, 
Lacking  faith  and  lacking  peace, 
Wanting  hope  and  happiness 
Granted  is  to  thee,  Oh  Soul! 
By  the  poet's  magic  art, 
Which  alone  can  bless  our  days, 
Still  inspired  and  still  devoted, 
Like  a  dream  away  to  glide 
Over  earthly  pain  and  grief. 


So  long  as  we  can  trust 
Our  courage  firm  to  feel, 
And  hoping  forwards  look, 
So  long  is  all  for  good. 
And  if  this  longing  hope 
Is  but  enchanted  dream, 
To  dry  our  bitter  tears, 
Give  it  a  place  in  life. 


90  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Heute  traurig,  morgen  munfer, 
Das  ist  der  Dinge  Lauf; 
Sinty  auch  die  Sonne  unter, 
So  ge/i'n  die  Sterne  auf! 

CERRI. 


Wie  ftb'nnt*  leicht  den  Menschen  rverden 
Das  ersehnte  voile  G/ucfc, 
Wollte  nur  der  Mensch  auf  Erden 
Grosser  sein  als  sein  GeschicI?! 

CERRI. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  9 1 


TODAY  in  pain,  tomorrow  happy, 
This  is  the  course  of  life; 
And  when  the  sun  is  setting, 
The  brilliant  stars  are  rising! 


How  easy  would  it  be 
His  happiness  to  sate, 
If  only  man  on  earth 
Were  greater  than  his  fate. 


92  Translations — German  Lyrics 


RESIGNATION 

Wend'  ich  aufs  Vergangne 
Priifend  mich  zurucl?: 
Trifft  auf  sc/rtParz  behangne 
Sarge  nur  mein  Blicl^. 

Schau  ich  in  das  Heute, 
Was  gervahr  ich  darin? 
Alles  Leben  deute 
Auf  Ver&andlung  hin. 

Unerforschter  Weiten 
Ddmmerung  verschliesst, 
Was  in  fernen  Zeiten 
Mir  bereitet  ist. 

Und  so  schiff*  ich  und  ien^*  ich 
Durch  die  Nacht  dahin; 
Wohlgemuth  bedenk*  ich 
Welch  ein  Nichts  ich  bin. 

Lasst  uns,  r»as  auch  draue, 
Weil  l»ir  das  verstehn, 
Ohne  Furcht  und  Reue 
Lachelnd  untergehn. 

FEUCHTERSLEBEN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  93 


RESIGNATION 

I  TURN  upon  the  past 
With  ever  searching  look, 
And  only  stumble  there 
On  charred  corpses. 

I  gaze  into  today, 
What  find  I  there? 
My  life  and  hopes 
Point  to  decay. 

Unseen  and  distant  climes 
Conceal  yet  in  the  dawn, 
What  future  times  now  hold 
In  store  for  me. 

And  so  I  shuffle  on 
Into  the  dusky  night, 
Calmly  gayly  feeling 
The  nothingness  of  man. 

Let  us,  whatever  threats, 
Because  we  know  it  well, 
Without  remorse  or  fear 
Laughing  seek  the  grave. 


94  Translations — German  Lyrics 


VOLKSWEISE 

Was  ist  es  mil  dem  Leben 
Dock  fur  'ne  arge  Noth, 
Muss  leiden  und  muss  sterben 
Zuletzt  den  bittern  Tod. 

Kam  ich  dock  auf  die  Erden 
Canz  ohne  Wunsch  und  Will', 
Ich  Weiss  es  nicht  von  n>annen, 
Und  kenn  nicht  Zrveck  noch  Ziel. 

Es  tritt  die  bunten  Auen 
Nur  einmal  unser  Fuss, 
Fur  £urze  Zeit  nur  tauschen 
Wir  Handedrucfy  und  Gruss. 

Und  Was  uns  auch  von  Freud  en 
Und  Leiden  zuge&andt, 
Das  mehret  und  das  mindert 
Sich  unter  Menschenhand. 

Drum  lasset  uns  in  Freundschaft 
Einander  recht  verstehn 
Die  farze  Sirec^e  Weges, 
Die  wir  zusammengehn! 

ANZENGRUBER. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  95 


WHAT  is  this  earthly  life 
But  painful  bitter  loss? 
Must  suffer  and  must  die 
Upon  the  cruel  cross. 

I  came  upon  the  earth 
Without  my  wish  or  will. 
I  know  not  when  or  whence, 
And  see  no  haven  still. 

We  walk  the  downy  meads 
But  once  in  gentle  bliss. 
For  one  brief  day  exchange 
Our  greeting  and  a  kiss. 

And  what  we  feel  of  joy 
And  sorrow  in  our  needs 
Is  lessened  or  increased 
By  force  of  human  deeds. 

In  friendship  let  us,  then, 
Each  other  understand, 
The  short  sad  path  of  life 
To  wander  hand  in  hand. 


96  Translations — German  Lyrics 


FELDEINSAMKEIT 

Ich  ruhe  still  im  hohen  griinen  Gras 

Und  sende  langc  meinen  Elicit  nach  obent 

Grillen  rings  umschrvirrt  ohn    Unterlass, 
Himmelsblaue  rvundersam  umwoben. 


Und  schb'ne  rveissc  Wolfcen  ziehn  dahin 
Durchs  tiefe  Blau,  vie  schb'ne  stille  Trdume; 
Mir  ist,  a/5  ob  ich  Idngst  gestorben  bin, 
Und  ziehe  selig  mil  durch  ew'ge  Raume. 

ALLMERS. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  97 


ALONE  IN  THE  FIELD 

I  LIE  upon  the  velvet  sward 

And  turn  afar  my  gaze  above, 

With  crickets  singing  shrilly  everywhere. 

The  azure  blue  in  wonder  woven  deeps. 

And  beautiful  white  clouds  float  by 
Like  fairy  dreams  across  the  vale, 
And  I  like  one  long  since  deceased 
In  happy  flight  on  through  eternal  space. 


98  Translations — German  Lyrics 


CABE 

Alles  hinzugeben 
1st  der  Liebe  Branch; 
Nimm  denn  hin  mein  Leben, 
Und  mein  Sterben  auch! 

Aller  meiner  Lieder 
Sanften  Schmeichellaut, 
Die  ein  Eden  wieder 
Sich  aust  Schutt  erbaut; 

Alle  Lichtgedanfyen, 
Die  an  duel?  und  Leid 
Ktihn  sich  aufwdrts  ranfyen 
In  die  Ewig^eit; 

All  mein  stilles  Sehnen, 
Innig  dir  vertraut, 
Das  in  sel'gen  Thrdnen 
Auf  dich  niederthaut! 

Nimm,  dass  nichts  dir  fehle, 
Warn  die  Stunde  ruft, 
Meine  ganze  Seele 
Hin  als  Opferduft! 

PAOLI, 


Translations — German  Lyrics  99 


DEVOTION  * 

ALL  to  thee  to  give 
Is  still  the  way  of  love; 
Take,  then,  hence  my  life 
And  too  my  death  for  thee ! 

All  my  tender  songs 
Of  holy  worship  here, 
That  build  their  Eden  joys 
From  only  heaps  of  earth ; 

All  the  splendid  thoughts 
That  gleam  in  joy  and  pain, 
And  boldly  upward  look 
Into  eternity; 

All  my  silent  hopes 
And  deeper  trust  in  thee, 
That  in  my  happy  tears 
As  dewdrops  fall  on  thee! 

Take,  that  nothing  fail, 
And  when  the  hour  calls, 
My  soul  and  all  it  is, 
As  incense  fragrance  thine ! 


*In  translating  Paoli's  poem  I  have  not  followed  the  metre  of  the 
original  in  all  instances. 


100  Translations — German  Lyrics 


JUCENDLIEBE 

Seitdem  du  mich  ver/assen  hat 
Verliess  mich  auch  der  Schlummer, 
Unrast  ward  mein  bestdndiger  Cast, 
Mem  Bettgenoss  der  Kummer. 

Ich  glaub\  auch  du  hast  vie/  getoeint, 
Dein  Auge  sah  ich  gldnzen; 
Nun  bist  du  ruhig9  n>ie  es  scheint, 
Und  fdhrst  zu  Spiel  und  Tdnzen. 

Da  stellt  ich  mich  ans  Treppenhaus 
Ins  gaffende  Gedrdnge; 
Ein  Wagen  hieltt  du  stiegst  heraus, 
Und  Lob  ging  durch  die  Menge. 

Wle  schien  dein  Putz  zum  Hohn  mir  gar! 
Anstatt  der  Myrtenkrone, 
Die  einst  ich  traumt,  umfing  dein  Haar 
Ein  Kranz  von  rotem  Mohne. 

Die  Blume  der  Vergessenheit 
Trugst  du  mit  Lachen  und  Scnerzen, 
Da  dacht9  ich  der  vergangnen  Zeit 
Und  sprach  zum  f?lopfenden  Herzen: 

*  Heuf  macht  sie  G/iic^,  den  leicht  und  bunt 
Tragt  sie  im  Haargeflechte, 
Als  Schmuck  fur  eine  lustige  Stund\ 
Den  Schlummer  meiner  Ndchte." 

HOPFEN. 


Translations — Gtrmaji>9L$ri& ,      ,      1  jQ  S 


YOUTHFUL  LOVE 

Since  you  abandoned  me, 
Sleep  has  deserted  me, 
Unrest  my  constant  guest 
My  bed  companion,  grief. 

I  think  you  also  wept, 
I  saw  your  eyes  agleaming; 
You  are  at  peace,  it  seems 
And  join  in  play  and  dancing. 

I  stood  upon  the  stair 
And  watched  the  gaping  throng, 
A  coach  halts  there  with  you, 
And  cheers  burst  from  the  crowd. 

How  scornful  seemed  your  dress! 
Instead  the  myrtle  crown 
I  dreamed,  sat  on  your  hair 
A  crown  of  poppies  red. 

The  flowers  of  oblivion 
You  bore  with  smiles  and  laughter, 
I  thought  of  vanished  times 
And  spoke  my  throbbing  heart: 

1  Today  she  has  her  happiness 
And  in  her  woven  hair  she  wears, 
As  jewel  for  the  happy  time, 
The  slumber  of  my  nights." 


•102  Jrctnslativas- — 'German  Lyrics 


EIN  KLEINES  LIED 

Em  fyleines  Lied,  u>ie  gehfs  nur  an 
Dass  man  lo  lieb  es  haben  £ann, 
Was  liegt  darin?  Erzdhle! 

Es  liegt  darin  ein  ivenig  Klang, 
Ein  toenig  Wohllaut  und  Gesang, 
Und  eine  ganze  Seele. 

ESCHENBACH. 


Es  fyann  die  Ehre  dieser  Welt 
Dir  ^eine  Ehre  geben, 
Was  dich  in  Wahrheit  hebt  and  halt, 
Muss  in  der  selber  leben. 

FONTANE. 


Mein  Herz  gleicht  ganz  dem  Meere, 
Hat  Sturm  und  Ebb9  und  Flutt 
Und  manche  schone  Perle 
In  seiner  Tiefe  ruht. 

HEINE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  103 


A  LITTLE  SONG 

A  LITTLE  song,  how  happens  it 
That  man  will  love  it  so  ? 
O  tell  me  what  this  means. 

It  means  a  little  sound, 

A  little  rhyme  and  rhythm, 

And  all  his  soul. 


The  honor  of  the  world 
Will  give  no  fame  to  you. 
What  truly  moves  and  holds 
Must  live  within  your  soul. 


My  heart  is  like  the  sea, 
Its  tides  of  ebb  and  flow, 
And  many  lovely  pearls 
Are  lying  in  its  deeps. 


104  Translations — German  Lyric* 


Dich  suchen  melnes  Ceists  Gedanfyen; 
Dich  sucht  mein  Traum  in  dunkler  Nachi! 
Es  ist  ein  tiefgeheimes  Kranfyen 
Und  Wonne  doch,  die  selig  macht! 

Wo  ich  auch  geh\  auf  alien  IVegen 
Dein  Bild  vor  meiner  seele  sleht. 
Ein  Cruss  an  dich — mein  morgensegen! 
Ein  Wunsch  fur  dich — mein  Nachtgebet! 
RlTTERSHAUS. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  105 


I  see  you  daily  in  my  thoughts; 
I  seek  you  nightly  in  my  dreams ; 
It  is  a  deep  and  sacred  pain 
And  yet  the  thrill  of  happiness. 

Where'er  I  go  in  all  the  world 
The  visage  floats  before  my  soul. 
A  kiss  for  thee,  my  morning  thought 
A  wish  for  thee,  my  evening  prayer. 


106  Translations — German  Lyrics 


1M  WALDE 

Einsam  schreif  ich  durch  den  Wald, 
Und  der  Voglein  Lieder 
Rauschen  T»ie  ein  Liebestvort 
Aus  dem  Zweigen  nieder. 

Einsam  schreif  ich  durch  den  Wald, 
Und  der  Blumen  Dufte 
Sduseln  r»ie  ein  Llebeskuss 
Durch  die  Morgenlufte. 

Einsam  schreif  ich  durch  den  Wald, 
Und  die  Wasser  rmnen, 
Bis  Gesang  und  Klang  und  Duft 
Sich  zum  Traum  versp/nnen. 

Und  was  langst  begraben  ruht 
Unterm  Kirchhofflieder  : 
Jugendgluck  und  Seligfyeit 
Find9  im  Wald  ich  rvieder. 

BowiTCH. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  107 


IN  THE  WOODS 

I  WANDER  lonely  in  the  wood 
And  songs  of  birdlings  sweet 
From  out  the  branches  whisper  there 
And  charm  like  words  of  love. 

I  wander  lonely  in  the  wood, 
And  fragrance  of  the  flowers 
Float  like  a  lover's  kiss 
Upon  the  morning  wind. 

I  wander  lonely  in  the  wood, 
And  waters  babble  there 
Till  song,  perfume,  and  sound 
May  end  their  lives  in  dreams. 

And  what  has  long  been  lost 
Within  the  church  yard  rest ; 
The  happiness  of  youth 
I  find  again  in  woodlands. 


108  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Hen!  schicke  n?as  du  rvillt, 
Ein  Liebes  oder  Leides; 
Ich  bin  vergnugt,  dass  beides 
Aus  deinem  Handen  quillt. 

Wollest  mil  Freuden 
Und  holiest  mil  Leiden 
Mich  nicht  uberschiltten! 
Dock  in  der  Mitten 
Liegt  holdes  Bescheiden. 

MORIKE. 


Ich  glaub'  nicht  an  die  Dauer 
Jenseits  der  Kirchhofsmauer, 
Doch  TPunsch'  ich  nur  so  viel 
Mir  als  das  letzte  Ziel 
Wenn  abgethan  des  Lebens  Last 
Zu  fuhlen  meine  tiefe  Kast. 

LORM. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  109 


God !  send  me  what  thou  willst 

Either  love  or  sorrow ; 

I  am  content  that  both 

Do  spring  from  out  thy  hands. 

Would  you  with  joy 
Would  you  with  sorrow 
Me  not  o'erburden ! 
And  yet  between  the  two 
There  lies  humility. 


I  don't  believe  in  any  life 
Beyond  the  church  yard  wall. 
And  yet  I  only  wish  this  much 
To  have  as  my  last  hope: 
When  life  has  ended  all  its  toil, 
To  feel  my  deep  and  peaceful  rest. 


1 1 0  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DER  ENTSACENDE 

Fahrwohl!  Fahrwohl;  Und  ohne  Klage 
Reich9  ich  zum  Abschied  dir  die  Hand. 
Kein  Wort  und  £eme  Miene  sage, 
Was  tief  filr  dich  mein  Herz  Empfand. 

Hinausziehn  will  ich  in  die  Feme 
Und  suchent  wo  em  stilles  Thai 
Verschwiegen  schauen  lasst  die  Sterne 
Herab  auf  meine  Liebe  Qua/. 

Da  will  ich  einsam  ruhn  und  sinnen 
Der  Zeitent  da  ich  selig  war, 
Und  wenn  vom  Aug*  die  thrdnen  n'nnen, 
Dich  segnen,  segnen  immerdar  .... 

yergessen  mag  ich  seint  verschollen, 
Und  wenn  du  strahlst  im  hellen  G/uc£, 
Ruf9  nichts  den  ewig  Kummervollen 
In  dein  Geddchtniss  dir  zurucfy. 

/a,  wenn  ich  niedersink*  zu  sterben, 
Und  Todesschweiss  die  Stirne  thaut: 
Nie  wird  fur  mich  um  Mitleid  werben 
Der  Sterbeglocke  triiber  Laut. 

Und  me  erhdltst  du  eine  Kunde, 
Wo  man  des  Lebens  muf  und  matt 
Den  armen  Dulder  in  dem  Grunde 
Des  stillen  Grabs  versenkei  hat. 

WEHL. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 1  1 


RENUNCIATION 

FAREWELL!  Farewell!  without  a  plaint 
I  reach  to  you  my  hand.      Adieu! 
No  word,  no  look  can  ever  tell 
How  deeply  feels  my  heart  for  you. 

And  now  I  flee  into  a  distant  land 
Lone  seeking  there  the  quiet  vale 
That  lets  the  stars  in  silence  deep 
Look  on  the  grief  of  broken  love. 

There  I  shall  rest  and  think  alone 
Of  times  when  I  was  happy  once, 
And  when  the  tears  bedew  my  eyes, 
Then  thee  I  shall  forever  bless. 

Forgotten  let  me  be,  or  lost, 
And  when  you  thrill  in  happiness, 
Call  nothing  back  to  memory 
Of  him  who  ever  lives  in  grief. 

And  when  at  last  I  come  to  die, 
And  moisture  cold  bedecks  my  brow, 
May  mournful  sound  of  tolling  bells 
Bring  no  compassion  there  for  me. 

May  you  not  know  the  lonely  spot 
Where  man  has  thrown  the  sufferer, 
So  tired  of  life  and  faint  of  heart, 
Into  the  silence  of  the  grave. 


1 1 2  Translations — German  Lyrics 


AN  DIE  FREIHEIT 

Freiheit,  die  ich  meine, 
Die  mein  Herz  erfullt, 
Komm  mil  deinem  Sc/ieme, 
Susses  Engelbild. 

Magst  du  nie  dich  zeigen, 
Der  bedrangten  Welt? 
Filhrest  deinen  Reigen 
Nur  am  Sternenzelt? 

Auch  bei  grilnen  Bdumen 
In  dem  lust*  gen  Waldt 
Unter  Bliltentrdumen 
1st  dem  Aufenthalt. 

Ach!  das  ist  ein  Leben, 
Wenn  es  rveht  und  £/mgf, 
Wenn  dein  stilles  Weben 
Wonnig  uns  durchdringt. 

Wenn  die  Blatter  rauschen 
Sussen  Freundesgruss, 
Wenn  v>ir  Blicke  tauschen, 
Liebes&ort  und  Kuss. 

Aber  immer  weiter 
Nimmt  das  Herz  den  Lauf, 
Auf  der  Himmelsleiter 
Steigt  die  Sehnsucht  auf. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 1 3 


ON  FREEDOM 

LIBERTY,  I  feel, 
And  it  fills  my  heart; 
Come,  then,  with  thy  light, 
My  sweet  angel  form. 

Mayst  not  show  thyself 
To  the  troubled  world? 
Guidest  thou  thy  course 
Only  with  the  stars. 

By  the  leafy  trees 
In  the  lusty  woods, 
Under  flower  dreams 
Is  thy  gentle  home. 

Ah!  but  that  is  life, 
When  it  blows  and  sings, 
When  thy  silent  weaving 
Joyous  brings  us  peace. 

When  leaves  are  rustling 
Sweet  and  friendly  greeting, 
When  we  change  our  glances, 
Loving  words  and  kisses. 

Ever  forward  then 
Takes  the  heart  its  path, 
On  the  heavens'  leading 
Longing  ever  rises. 


1  1 4  Translations- — German  Lyrics 

Aus  den  stillen  Kreisen 
Kommt  mein  Hirtenfyind, 
Will  der  Welt  berveisen 
Was  er  denty  und  minnt. 

Bluht  ihm  dock  ein  Garten9 
Reift  ihm  dock  ein  Feld 
Auch  in  jener  harten 
Steinerbauten  Welt. 

Wo  sich  Gottesflamme 
In  ein  Herz  gesenfyt, 
Das  am  alien  Stamme 
Treu  und  liebend  hdngt. 

Wo  sich  manner  finden, 
Die  fur  ehr*  und  Recht 
Muthig  sich  verbinden; 
Weilt  ein  frei  Geschlecht. 

Hinter  dunkeln  Wallen, 
Hinter  ehrnem  Thor 
Kann  das  Herz  noch  schrvellen 
Zu  dem  Licht  empor. 

Fur  die  Kirchenhallen, 
Fur  die  Vaier  gruft, 
Fur  die  liebsten  fallen, 
Wenn  die  Freiheit  ruft. 

Das  ist  rechtes  Gliihen, 
Frisch  und  rosenroth; 
Heldentvangen  bluhen 
Schoner  auf  im  Tod. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  1 5 

From  the  quiet  home 
Comes  my  shepherd  child, 
Who  will  show  the  world 
What  he  thinks  and  loves. 

Gardens  bloom  for  him, 
Ripen  also  fields, 
And  in  stony  hard 
Rigid  rockbuilt  worlds. 

Where  the  light  of  God 
Sinks  into  the  heart, 
Hangs  on  ancient  stock 
Lovingly  and  true. 

Where  those  men  are  found 
Who  for  right  and  honor 
Bravely  stand  together, 
Dwells  a  nation  free. 

Back  of  darkened  walls, 
Back  of  iron  doors, 
Souls  will  nobly  rise 
To  the  light  above. 

For  the  sacred  temples, 
For  the  fathers'  graves, 
For  the  loved  that  fall, 
When  our  freedom  calls. 

That  is  noble  passion, 
Fresh  and  ruddy  heat: 
Heroes  faces  glow 
Beautiful  in  death. 


1 1 6  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Wollest  auf  uns  lenfyen 
Gottes  Lieb*  und  Lust, 
Wollest  gern  dick  senfyen 
In  die  deutche  Brust! 

Frciheit,  holdes  Wesen, 
Glaubig,  kiihn  und  zart, 
Hast  ja  lang  erlesen 
Dir  die  deutche  Art. 

SCHENKENDORF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 1  7 

Will  you  turn  to  us 
God's  pure  love  and  joy, 
Will  you  gladly  warm 
Every  German  breast! 

Freedom,  gentle  soul, 
Faithful,  brave  and  tender, 
Thou  hast  long  elected 
For  the  German  race. 


1  1 8  Translations — German  Lyrics 


IN  E1NER  STERNENNACHT 

Wdhrend  rechts  im  fernen  Dunfyel 
Gold'ne  Sterne  niedersinken, 
Steigen  Sterne  mil  Gefunkel 
Hlnter  Bergen  auf  zur  Linden. 

Was  sich  lasst  im  Himmel  sehen, 
Zeigt  sich  unten  auch  im  Leben: 
Sterne  milssen  untergehen, 
Sollen  Sterne  sich  erheben. 

BUBE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 1 9 


While  in  the  west  in  distant  gloom 
The  golden  stars  sink  out  of  view, 
Come  rising  stars,  in  brilliant  light 
Behind  the  mountains  in  the  east. 

And  what  we  see  in  heaven's  arch, 
Comes  also  here  upon  the  earth: 
Some  stars  must  set  in  darkling  night 
Should  others  rise  into  the  sky. 


120  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDLIED 

Abend  wird  cs  toieder: 

Ueber  Wald  und  Feld 

Sduselt  Frieden  nieder, 

Und  es  ruht  die  Welt. 

Nur  der  Bach  ergiesset 
Sich  am  Felsen  dort, 
Und  er  braust  und  Fliesset 
Immer,  immer  fort. 

Und  £em  Abend  bringet 
Frieden  ihm  und  Ruh', 
Keine  Cloche  £/mgef 
Ihm  ein  Rastlied  zu. 

So  in  deinem  Streben 
Bist,  mein  Herz,  auch  du: 
Cott  fann  nur  geben 
Wahre  Abendruh*. 

FALLERSLEBEN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  121 


EVENING  comes  again: 
Over  wood  and  plain 
Peaceful  zephyrs  blow, 
Nature  all  at  rest. 

Only  brooks  are  pouring 
O'er  their  rocky  beds, 
Babbling,  flowing  there 
Ever  and  forever. 

But  no  evening  brings 
Peace  and  rest  to  them, 
And  no  bells  will  ring 
Slumber  songs  for  them. 

So  in  strife  and  grief 
Livest  thou,  my  heart, 
Only  God  can  give 
Thee  true  evening  peace. 


122  Translations — German  Lyrics 


FALLERSLEBEN 


Nur  Tver  die  Sehnsucht 

Weiss,  was  ich  leide! 

Allein  und  abgetrennt 

l^on  aller  Freude, 

Se/T  ich  ans  Firmament 

Nach  jener  Seite. 

Ach!  der  mich  liebt  und  fannt, 

1st  in  der  Weiie. 

Es  schjvindelt  mirt  es  brennt 

Mein  Eingerveide. 

Nur  Tver  die  Sehnsucht  £enn* 

IVeiss,  rvas  ich  leide. 

GCETHE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  123 


He  only  knows  my  longing 

Who  knows  my  sorrows! 

Alone  and  severed  now 

From  every  joy, 

I  gaze  into  the  sky, 

The  other  land. 

Who  knows  and  loves  me 

Is  far  away. 

I  live  in  dizzy  grief, 

With  burning  heart. 

He  only  knows  my  longing 

Who  knows  my  sorrows. 


124  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDFRIEDE 

Schtoebe,  Mond,  in  tiefen  Blau 
Ueber  Bergeshohn, 
Sprudle  Wasser,  blin^e  Thau. 
Nacht,  me  bist  du  schb'n! 

Spiegle,  See,  den  reinen  Strahl; 
Friede  athmend  lind 
Durch  das  iviesenhelle  Thai 
Walls,  veicher  Wind! 

Wie  durch  ein  Zauberschlag 
Bin  ich  ungestimmt 
yon  Gedanfcen,  die  der  Tag 
Bringt  und  wieder  nimmt. 

Dass  es  auch  ein  Sterben  gibtt 
FuhU  ich  ohne  Schmerz, 
Was  ich  Hebe,  Was  mich  liebt, 
Ceht  mir  still  durchs  Herz. 

ElCHRODT. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  125 


MOONLIGHT  in  the  azure  deep, 
Over  mountain  heights, 
Water  sparkles,  dewdrops  twinkle. 
Night,  how  beautiful ! 

Silver  beams  upon  the  lake, 
Peace  softly  breathing, 
Through  the  grassy  meadow  vale 
Blows  a  gentle  wind! 

Thus  as  by  a  magic  wand 
I  bewildered  am 
By  the  thoughts  that  now  the  day 
Brings  and  takes  again. 

That  I  have  to  die 
Painlessly  I  feel, 
What  I  love  and  what  loves  me 
Calmly  moves  my  heart. 


126  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ERSTER  VERLUST 

Ach,  Tver  bringt  die  schonen  Tage, 
Jene  Tage  der  ersten  Liebe, 
Ach9  Tver  bringt  nur  erne  Stunde 
Jener  holden  Zeit 


Einsam  ndhr  ich  meine  Wunde, 
Und  mit  stets  erneuter  Klage 
Traur  ich  urns  verlorne  G/uc/f. 
Acht  Tver  bringt  die  schonen  Tage, 
Jener  holden  Zeit  zuruc^! 

G(ETHE;. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  127 


Oh,  who  will  bring  the  lovely  days, 
Those  early  days  of  love, 
Oh,  who  will  bring  a  single  hour 
Of  that  tender  time  again. 

Alone  I  nourish  now  my  wounds, 
And  with  an  ever  growing  plaint 
I  mourn  for  my  lost  happiness. 
Oh,  who  will  bring  the  lovely  days, 
Of  that  tender  age  again. 


128  Translations — German  Lyrics 


BITTE 

Wenn  meine  letzte  Stunde  schlagt, 
Tragt  mich  ans  A/eer,  das  blaue, 
Dass  icft,  eh9  man  ins  Grab  mich  legtt 
Das  A/eer  noch  einmal  schaue. 

Dass  vor  der  Todesdunfyelheit, 
Mii  sterbemattem  Auget 
Den  Glanz  ich  der  Unendlichfyeit 
Noch  einmal  in  mich  sauge. 

Dass  vor  der  unbegrenzten  Flut 
Mich  Ahnung  hold  umtvehe, 
Und  ich  mil  hoffnungsvollem  Muth 
Von  dieser  Erde  gehe! 

Wenn  meine  letzte  Stunde  schlagt, 
Tragt  micht  ans  A/eer,  das  blaue, 
Dass  icft,  e/i'  man  ins  Grab  mich  /eg/, 
Das  Afeer  noch  einmal  schaue. 

WOERMAN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  129 


A  PRAYER 

WHEN  time  calls  for  the  hour  of  death, 
Carry  me  to  the  deep  blue  sea, 
Let  me  look,  e'er  I  am  laid  to  rest, 
Once  more  upon  the  ocean  wave. 

And  when  the  darkened  face  of  death 
Dims  the  dying  wearied  eyes, 
May  I  once  more  draw  unto  me 
The  splendor  of  infinity. 

There  let  the  boundless  sea 
Move  tenderly  my  sighs, 
And  let  me  pass  from  earthly  life 
With  brave  and  hopeful  heart. 

When  time  calls  for  the  hour  of  death. 
Carry  me  to  the  deep  blue  sea, 
Let  me  look,  e'er  I  am  laid  to  rest, 
Once  more  upon  the  ocean  wave. 


130  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Nicht  genug  isfs  edel  Den^en, 
Edles  Schaffen  muss  der  man. 
Cluc^lich  "D>em  die  Stunden  schenfyen 
Cotter  dass  er's  uben  fyann. 

Dock  den  Cottern  gleich  zu  wandeln 
Seines  Lebens  Wege  hin, 
Weiss  nur  wen  bei  edlem  Handeln 
Leitet  auch  em  edler  Sinn. 

THOMAS. 


So  einsam  ist  es  um  mich  her, 

So  friedlich  und  so  still, 

Wenn  nicht  das  Leid  im  Herzen  v>ar\ 

Das  nimmer  sch&eigen  will. 

GREIF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  3 1 


Noble  thought  is  not  enough, 
Noble  action  makes  the  man. 
Happy  he  to  whom  the  gods 
Send  the  hours  for  his  deeds. 

And  yet  to  wander  like  the  gods 
His  life  unto  its  end 
Knows  only  whom  in  noble  acts 
A  noble  sense  of  honor  leads. 


So  silent  is  it  with  me  here, 
So  peaceful  and  so  still, 
But  for  the  pain  in  lover's  heart 
That  never  silence  will. 


1  32  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Du  bist  die  Ruh\ 
Der  Friede  mild, 
Die  Sehnsuchi  du9 
Und  rvas  sie  stillt. 

Ich  tyeihe  dir 
Voll  Lust  und  Schmerz 
Zur  IVohnung  hier 
Mein  Aug  und  Herz. 

Kehr  ein  bei  mirt 
Und  schliesse  du 
Still  hinter  dir 
Die  Pforte  zu. 

Treib  andern  Schmerz 
A  us  dieser  Brust! 
Voll  sei  dies  Herz 
Von  deiner  Lust. 

Dies  Augenzelt, 
Von  deiner  Glanz 
Allein  erhellt, 
O  fiill  es  ganz! 

RUCKERT. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  133 


Thou  art  my  rest, 
And  tender  peace, 
The  sigh  of  joy 
And  calmest  it. 

I  vow  to  you 
In  joy  and  pain 
For  dwelling  here 
My  mind  and  heart. 

Turn  then  to  me, 
And  close  for  me 
Behind  thee,  dear, 
The  gates  of  love. 

Drive  other  pain 
From  out  this  breast, 
This  heart  be  full 
Of  joy  for  you. 

My  tender  eyes, 
Thy  loving  gaze 
Alone  illumes, 
Oh,  fill  my  heart. 


1  34  Translations — German  Lyrics 


HE1MKEHR 

Entfernte  Glocken  £/angen 
Herauf  den  stillen  See, — 
Weiss  nicht,  ivas  sie  mir  sangen, 
Mir  ward  so  B>O/I/,  so  B>e/i/ 

Verworrne  Stimmen  riefen, 
Das  Ufer  lag  so  fern, 
Der  Wind,  die  Wellen  schliefen, 
Und  durch  des  Himmels  Tiefen 
Schoss  ein  verirrter  Stern. 

Der  Mond  mit  hellem  Blicl^e 
Durchmass  die  Fluten  Tveit, — 
Wohl  auf  die  Strahlenbriicke 
Ging  sanft  gelb'st  zuriic^e 
Ein  Herz  zur  E&igkeit. 

KALBECK. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 35 


The  distant  bells  did  sound 
Upon  the  silent  sea, — 
I  know  not  whence  they  came, 
Nor  what  they  sang  to  me, 
I  was  so  joyed,  so  sad ! 

Confusing  voices  called, 
The  shore  was  far  away, 
The  wind,  the  waves  asleep, 
And  through  the  azure  deep 
There  shot  a  falling  star. 

The  moon,  with  splendid  vision, 
Shone  o'er  the  distant  main, — 
Upon  its  gleaming  passage 
A  soul  passed  gently  free 
Into  eternity. 


1 36  Translations — German  Lyrics 


BITTE 

Weil*  auf  mir,  du  dunfyles  Auget 
Ube  deine  ganze  Macht, 
Ernstet  milde,  traumerische, 
Unergrundlich,  susse  Nacht. 

Nimm  mil  deinem  Zauberdun^el 
Diese  Welt  von  hinnen  mir, 
Dass  du  iiber  meinem  Leben 
Einsam  schtvebest  fur  und  fur. 

LENAU. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  137 


A  PRAYER 

DWELL  with  me,  Oh  lovely  view, 
Use  then  all  thy  noble  might, 
Earnest,  gentle,  dreaming 
Sweet  mysterious  night. 

Take  the  world  with  magic  force, 
Far  away  from  me  to  sever, 
So  that  you  may  rule  my  life 
Alone  forever  and  forever. 


138  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Einem  Cott  gleich  zieh*  ich  ungebunden 
Durch  die  Friihlingslande  auf  und  nieder; 
Alle  W alder,  alle  Felsenklufte 
Rufen  schallend  meine  Lieder  wieder. 

Fliigel  mochf  ich  noch  den  Winden  leihen, 
Feuer  mochf  ich  in  die  Sterne  tragen; 
Tausend  Strudelquellen,  tausend  Strb'me 
Mochf  ich  jauchzend  aus  dem  Felsen  schlagen. 

Jat  der  ersten  Liebe  heil'ge  Gluthen 
Schlagen  iiber  meinem  Haupt  zusammen, 
Und  die  Erde  und  die  Himmel  alle 
Cluhen  mit  in  diesen  Opferflammen. 

FREY. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1 39 


Like  divinity  I  wander  free 
Up  and  down  the  glades  of  spring, 
All  the  woodlands,  all  the  cliffs 
Echo  back  my  songs  again. 

Wings  would  I  give  the  winds, 

Fire  would  I  bear  the  stars ; 

Springs  by  thousands,  and  a  thousand  brooks 

Would  I,  longing,  burst  from  rocks. 

And  indeed  the  primal  flame  of  love 
Breaks  in  blessings  o'er  my  head, 
And  the  earth  and  heaven  all 
Glowing  brightly  in  the  altar  fires. 


140  Translations — German  Lyrics 


SPAZIERCANC 

Ich  mb'chte  gern  den  ganzen  Tag 
Im  Lenzesftehn 

Bei  Finkenpfiff  und  Lerchenschlag 
Voll  Freuden  gehn. 

Vor  jedem  Bliimchen  auf  der  Au 
Still  niederknien, 

Der  Erde  Grtin,  des  Himmels  Blau 
Still  in  mich  ziehn. 

O  Seligkeit,  du  fullst  mir  ganz 
Die  freie  Brust! 

Wenn  langst  voriiber  all  der  Glanz, 
Bleibt  deine  Lust. 

HELLER. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  141 


A  WALK 

I  WANDER  gladly  all  the  day, 
In  winds  of  spring, 
With  song  of  finch  and  lark, 
Go  full  of  joy. 

I  calmly  kneel  upon  the  green 
Before  the  flowers, 
And  bring  to  me  the  meads  of  earth 
And  azure  deep. 

Oh  happiness !   You  make  quite  full 
The  freeborn  breast! 
When  thy  splendor  long  is  past, 
Thy  joy  remains. 


1 42  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DAS  SCHEIDEN 

Wenn  sich  zwei  Herzen  scheiden, 
Die  sich  dereinst  geliebt, 
Das  ist  ein  grosses  Leiden, 
Wies  grossres  nimmer  gibt. 
Es  klingt  das  Wort  so  traurig  gar: 
Fahrwohl,  fahrwohl  auf  immerdar! 
Wenn  sich  zwei  Herzen  scheiden, 
Die  sich  dereinst  geliebt. 

Als  ich  zuerst  empfunden, 
Dass  Liebe  brechen  mag: 
Mir  war's  als  sei  verschwunden 
Die  Sonn*  am  hellen  Tag. 
Mir  king's  im  Ohre  wunderbar: 
Fahrwohl,  fahrwohl  auf  immerdar! 
Da  ich  zuerst  empfunden, 
Dass  Liebe  brechen  mag. 

Mein  Frilhling  ging  zur  Rilste, 
Ich  Weiss  es  rvohl  warum; 
Die  Lippe  die  mich  £tisste, 
Ist  worden  kuhl  und  stumm. 
Das  eine  Wort  nur  sprach  sie  £/ar: 
Fahrwohl,  fahrrvohl  auf  immerdar! 
Mein  Fruhling  ging  zur  Ruste, 
Ich  Weiss  es  wohl  warum. 

GEIBEL. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  143 


SEPARATION 

WHEN  two  hearts  part 
That  once  have  loved, 
There  comes  a  bitter  sorrow 
Than  which  no  greater  weeps. 
So  sadly  sound  the  words, 
Farewell,  farewell  forever! 
When  two  hearts  part 
That  once  have  loved. 

When  I  first  felt 
That  love  might  break, 
It  was  as  if  the  sun 
Had  vanished  from  the  sky. 
I  heard  the  awesome  voice, 
Farewell,  farewell  forever! 
When  I  first  felt 
That  love  might  break. 

My  spring  has  gone, 
I  know  well  why ; 
The  lips  that  once  I  kissed 
Are  plainly  cold  and  dumb. 
One  word  alone  was  clear: 
Farewell,  farewell  forever! 
My  spring  is  gone, 
I  know  well  why. 


1 44  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ANZIEHUNC 

Was  mich  zu  dir  so  mdchtig  zog, 
War  nicht  der  Augen  Allgetoalt, 
Der  Schimmer  nicht  des  goldnen  Haars 
Und  nicht  die  schlanfye  Huldgestalt. 

Was  mich  zu  dir  so  mdchtig  zog, 
War  deiner  Stimme  triiber  Klang, 
Der  mir  T»ie  Nachtigallensang 
Ins  Herz,  ins  Lebensmiide,  drang. 

Die  Blasse  deiner  Wangen  War's, 
Und  eine  Thrdnet  die  verrieth, 
Dass  eine  Seele  tief  geheim 
Ein  namenloses  Weh  durchzieht. 

BERN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  145 


ATTRACTION 

WHAT  me  to  you  so  strongly  drew 
Was  not  the  magic  of  your  eyes, 
Nor  shimmer  of  your  golden  hair, 
Nor  yet  your  slender  graceful  form, 

What  me  to  you  so  strongly  drew, 
It  was  the  sound  of  troubled  voice, 
Which,  like  the  song  of  nightingale, 
Weighed  heavy  on  my  weary  heart. 

It  was  the  pallor  of  your  cheeks, 
And  also  tears,  which  there  betrayed 
That  in  the  secret  depts  of  soul 
A  nameless  sorrow  sadly  dwelt. 


146  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Wenn  die  Bluthen  Friihlings-Regen 
Ueber  alle  schtoebend  sin^t, 
Wenn  der  Felder  griiner  Segen 
Allen  Erdgebornen  blinkt, 
Kleiner  Elfen  Ceistergrosse 
Eilet,  IPO  sie  helfen  fyann; 
Ob  er  heilig,  ob  er  fcose, 
Jammert  sie  der  Ungliicksmann. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations-— Cer mail  Lyrics  147 


When  the  shower  blooms  of  spring 
Waving  fall  on  flower  meads, 
When  the  grace  of  green  clad  swards, 
Gaze  upon  the  race  of  men, 
Ghostly  hordes  of  elf  and  sprite 
Hasten  whither  they  give  help 
Whether  good  or  evil  then, 
Pities  them  unhappy  man. 


1 48  Translations — German  Lyrics 


AN  DEN  MONO 

Fullest  rvieder  busch  and  Thai 
Still  mit  Nebelglanz, 
Loses/  endlich  auch  einmal 
Meine  Seele  ganz. 

Breitest  fiber  mein  Cefild 
Lindernd  deinen  Blick, 
W ie  des  Freundes  Auge  mild 
Ueber  mein  Geschicl?. 

Jeden  Nachfylang  fiihlt  mein  Herz 
Froh — und  triiber  Zeit, 
Wandle  z&ischen  Freud9  und  Schmerz 
In  der  einsam^eit. 

GCETHE. 


Translations — Germai   Lyrics  149 


ON  THE  MOON 

FlLLEST  thou  the  wood  and  valley 
Still  with  misty  splendor, 
Letting  then  my  soul  at  last 
Once  go  wholly  free. 

Give  ever  o'er  my  life 
Tenderly  your  gaze, 
With  thy  friendly  gentle  eye 
Watch  my  destiny. 

My  heart  feels  every  echo 
Of  sad  and  happy  times; 
I  wander  twixt  my  joy  and  pain 
In  my  loneliness. 


150  Translations — Cerman  Lyrics 

WVRDE  DER  F RAVEN 

Ehret  die  Frauen!  sie  flechten  und  rveben 
Himmlische  Rosen  ins  irdische  Leben, 
Flechten  der  Liebe  begliickendes  Band, 
Und  in  der  Grazie  zuchtigem  Schleier 
Nahren  sie  tvachsam  das  ewige  Feuer 
Schb'ner  Gefuhle  mil  heiliger  Hand. 

Ervig  aus  der  Wahrheit  Schranfyen 
Schweift  des  Mannes  ivilde  Kraft; 
Unstdt  treiben  die  Gedanfyen 
Auf  dem  Meer  der  Leidenschaft; 
Ewig  greift  er  in  die  Feme, 
Nimmer  Jvird  sein  Herz  gestillt; 
Rastlos  durch  entlegne  Sterne 
Jagt  er  seines  Traumes  Bild. 

Aber  mit  zauberish  fesseldem  Blic^e 
Winfyen  die  Frauen  den  Fluchling  zurilc^e 
W amend  zuructt  in  der  Gegenrvart  Spur. 
In  der  Mutter  Bescheidener  Hutte 
Sind  sie  geblieben  mit  schamhafter  Sitte, 
Treue  Tochter  der  frommen  Natur. 

Feindlich  ist  des  Mannes  Streben, 
Mit  zermalmender  Gervalt 
Geht  der  wilde  durch  das  Leben, 
Ohne  Rast  und  Aufenthalt. 
Was  er  schuf,  zerstb'rt  er  wieder, 
Nimmer  ruht  der  Wiinsche  Streit9 
Nimmert  ivie  das  Haupt  der  Hyder 
£n>ig  fdllt  und  sich  erneut. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  151 


WOMAN'S  WORTH 

HONOR  for  woman !     She  wreathes  and  weaves 

Heavenly  roses  in  the  earthly  life 

She  weaves  the  happy  bonds  of  love 

And  in  her  chastened  veil  of  beauty 

She  ever  fosters  the  never  dying  fire 

Of  noble  feelings  with  holier  hand. 

Far  beyond  reality, 
Sweeps  the  wilding  force  of  man; 
Waveringly  drive  his  thoughts 
Freely  on  the  sea  of  passion ; 
Reaches  curious  in  the  distance, 
Never  will  his  heart  be  stilled ; 
Restless  far  among  the  stars 
Hunts  the  vision  of  his  dreams. 

But  with  a  charming  and  magical  look 

Woman  will  turn  the  wanderer  back 

Guiding  him  back  to  the  present  of  fact. 

In  the  mother's  much  modester  home 

They  have  remained  with  manner  quite  chastened 

The  true  daughters  of  pious  demeanor. 

Fighting  is  the  manly  life, 
With  destroying  wasting  power 
Rushes  wildly  in  his  path, 
Lacking  residence  and  rest. 
What  he  makes  destroys  again, 
Never  rests  the  strife  of  passion, 
Always  like  the  head  of  Hydra, 
Ever  falls  to  rise  again. 


152  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Aber  zufrieden  mil  stillerem  Ruhme, 
Brechen  die  Frauen  des  Augenblicfys  Blume, 
Ndhren  sie  sorgsam  mil  liebendem  Fleiss, 
Freier  in  ihrem  gebundenen  Wirken, 
Reicher,  als  er,  in  des  Wissens  Bezirfyen 
Una  in  der  Dichtung  unendlichen  Kreis. 

Streng  und  stolz  sich  selbst  geniigend, 
Kennt  des  Mannes  starke  Brust, 
Herzlich  an  em  Herz  sich  smiegend9 
Nicht  der  Liebe  Gotterlust; 
Kennet  nicht  den  Tausch  der  See/en, 
Nicht  in  Thrdnen  schmilzt  er  hin: 
Selbst  des  Lebens  Kdmpfe  stdhlen 
Hdrter  semen  harten  Sinn. 

Aber9  rvie  leise  vom  Zephyr  erschuttert, 
Schnell  de  dolische  Harfe  erzittert, 
Also  die  fiihlende  Seele  der  Frau. 
Zdrtlich  gedngstight  vom  Bilde  der  Qualen, 
Wallet  der  liebende  Busen,  es  strahlen 
Perlend  die  Augen  vom  himlischen  Thau. 

In  der  Manner  Herrschgebiete 
Gilt  der  Stdrke  trotzig  Recht; 
Mil  dem  Schwert  beweist  der  Scythe, 
Und  der  Perser  tvird  zum  Knecht. 
Es  befehden  sich  im  Grimme 
Die  Begierden  wild  und  roht 
Und  der  Eris  rauhe  Stimme 
Wo  die  Charis  floh. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  153 

Ever  content  with  a  quieter  fame; 

Plucks  she  the  flowers  that  ever  bloom  now, 

Fosters  them  carefully,  loving  the  work, 

Freer  in  duty  and  self-imposed  tasks, 

Richer  than  he  in  the  range  of  her  knowledge 

And  in  the  infinite  field  of  her  verse. 

Strong  and  haughty  in  his  pride, 
Clinging  bravely  heart  on  heart, 
Knoweth  not  the  man's  strong  soul 
Love  divine  that  comes  from  God; 
Knows  not  interchange  of  soul, 
Nor  will  melt  his  heart  in  tears ; 
E'en  the  struggles  of  his  life 
Harder  steel  his  hardened  heart. 

But  just  as  tenderly  shaken  by  winds, 

Rapidly  sings  an  /Eolian  harp, 

So  then  the  tenderer  soul  of  a  woman, 

Gently  aroused  by  the  vision  of  pain, 

Heaves  with  a  sigh  on  her  breast  and  her  eyes 

Streaming  with  tears  that  do  glisten  like  pearls. 

In  the  manly  field  of  power 
Might  doth  hold  the  place  of  right; 
Scythians  argue  with  the  sword 
And  the  Persian  yields  a  slave. 
Wild  and  stormy  passions  there 
Angrily  each  other  challenge, 
And  the  harsher  voice  of  Eris 
Conquers  now  where  Charis  fled. 


1 54  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Aber  mil  sanft  iiberredender  Bitte 
Fuhren  de  Frauen  den  Zepfer  der  Sitte, 
Loschen  die  Zrvietracht,  die  tobend  entgluht, 
Lehren  die  Krafte,  die  feindlich  sich  hassen, 
Sich  in  der  lieblichen  Form  zu  umfasseen, 
Und  vereinen  n>as  en>ig  sich  flieht. 

SCHILLER. 


Freudevoll  und  leidvoll 
Gedankenvoll  sein. 
Langen  und  bangen 
In  schwebender  Pein; 
Himmelhoch  jauchzend 
Zum  Tode  betriibt; 
Glilcklich  allein 
1st  die  Seele  die  liebt. 

G(ETHE. 


Lass  der  Sonne  Glanz  versch&inden 
Wenn  es  in  der  Seele  lagt; 
Wir  im  eignen  Herzen  finden 
Was  die  ganze  Welt  versagt. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  155 


But  with  a  tender  and  pleading  clear  voice 
Woman  will  hold  to  the  scepter  of  law, 
Cooling  dissension  now  glowing  in  anger, 
Teaching  the  forces  in  ever  living  hate; 
How  to  embrace  in  the  kindest  of  love, 
Reconciling  the  forces  of  ever  during  war. 


Joyful  and  sorrowful, 
In  thoughtful  refrain. 
Longing  and  crying 
In  harrowing  pain ; 
Heavenward  sighing, 
Harried  to  death ; 
Happy  alone 
Is  the  soul  that  loves. 


Let  the  sun  set  in  the  night 
If  in  the  soul  may  dawn  the  light ; 
For  in  our  hearts  we  may  then  feel 
What  all  the  world  makes  so  unreal. 


1 56  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDLIED 

Der  Tag  ist  nun  vergangen, 
Und  dunkel  schldft  die  Welt, 
Die  hellen  Sternen  prangen 
Am  blauen  Himmelszelt: 
Nur  in  den  griinen  Zrveigen 
Singt  noch  die  Nachtigall, 
Im  Tveiten  tiefen  Schweigen 
Der  einz'ge  Lebenschall. 

Ich  aber,  Vater,  stehe 

In  meiner  Huttenthur, 

Und  schau  hinauf  zur  Hohe, 

Und  schau9  hinauf  zu  dir; 

Wie  gerne  mochf  ich  fylingen 

Als  helle  Nachtigall, 

Dir  Preis  und  Danfy  zu  bringen 

Mil  tiefen  Schmerzenschall. 

/a,  mil  dem  Schall  der  Schmerzen; 
Denn  geht  die  Nacht  herauf, 
So  springt  in  meinem  Herzen 
Ein  Quell  der  Thrdnen  auf, 
Der  Thrdnen  und  der  Klagen: 
Dut  Vater,  weisst  es  best, 
Was  singen  nicht  und  sagen, 
Was  sich  nicht  sprechen  Idsst. 

Du  Kennest  meinen  Kummer, 
Der  auf  den  Himmel  blic^t, 
Wenn  fur  den  siissen  Schlummer 


Translations — German  Lyrics  157 


EVENING  HYMN 

THE  day  has  gone  to  rest, 
In  the  darkness  sleeps  the  world, 
The  shining  stars  break  out 
Into  the  deep  blue  sky; 
Among  the  branches  green 
There  sings  the  nightingale, 
In  silence  far  and  deep 
The  only  sound  of  life. 

But  I,  Oh  Father,  stand 

Within  my  cabin  door, 

And  gaze  into  the  sky, 

And  raise  my  eyes  to  Thee; 

How  gladly  would  I  sing 

As  if  a  nightingale, 

And  bring  Thee  praise  and  thanks 

With  tender  cries  of  pain. 

Indeed,  in  cries  of  pain, 
I  pass  the  lonely  night, 
And  springing  in  my  heart 
The  welling  tears  flow  out, 
The  plaintive  tears  of  grief: 
Thou,  Father,  knowest  well 
That  neither  song  nor  speech 
Can  form  themselves  in  words. 

Thou  knowest  all  my  sorrow 
That  cries  unto  the  sky, 
When  for  its  slumber  sweet 


158  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Die  ganze  Welt  sich  schist, 
Womii  so  schrver  beladen 
Mem  Herz  nach  oben  schaut, 
Nach  deinem  Born  der  Cnaden, 
Der  Labsal  niederthaut. 

Ja,  deine  susse  Liebe 
Die  trostet  mir  den  Schmerz, 
Jat  deine  susse  Liebe 
Die  stillet  mir  das  Herz, 
Die  lost  in  heissen  Thrdnen 
Das  Eis  des  Busens  auf 
Und  stellet  Sinn  und  Sehnen 
Zum  hohen  Sternenlauf. 

O  lass  mich  elP/g  shauen 
Im  stillen  Kindersinn 
Zu  jenen  giildnen  Auen, 
Woher  ich  fyommen  bin! 
O  richte  Herz  und  Sinne, 
Mein  Valer,  fur  und  fur 
Zu  deiner  siissen  Minne, 
Zum  Himmel  hin,  zu  dir! 


Translations — German  Lyrics  159 

The  world  itself  prepares, 
And  with  its  heavy  griefs 
My  heart  doth  upward  look 
To  fountains  of  thy  grace 
Whence  flow  the  dews  of  peace. 

And  thy  dear  love,  indeed, 
Which  soothes  for  me  my  pain, 
Yes,  Thy  dear  love,  indeed, 
Which  calms  for  me  my  heart, 
And  melts  in  my  hot  tears 
My  frozen  icy  heart 
And  turns  my  thoughts  and  sighs 
Unto  the  starry  sky. 

Oh  let  me  ever  gaze 
In  quiet  childhood  faith 
Upon  yon  golden  plains 
Whence  I  have  travelled  here ! 
Direct  my  mind  and  heart, 
Oh  God,  forever  there 
Unto  Thy  tender  love, 
Unto  the  sky,  to  Thee! 


160  Translations — German  Lyrics 


So  mag  ich  froh  mich  legen 
Nun  mil  der  Welt  zur  Ruh\ 
Mein  Amen  und  mein  Segen, 
Mem  Wdchier  das  bist  du; 
So  mag  in  deinem  Frieden 
Ich  frb'hlich  schlafen  em, 
Dort  oben  und  hienieden, 
Im  Schlaf  und  IVachen  dein. 

ARNDT. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  161 


May  I  thus  lay  me  down 
To  rest  with  all  the  world, 
My  prayer  and  my  blessing 
And  my  Protector,  Thou; 
May  I  in  peace  divine 
Pass  joyously  to  rest, 
Above  and  here  below, 
In  sleep  and  waking  thine. 


162  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Was  soil  dem  Hoffnungslosen 
Der  Zauber  im  Gemuih? 
Ach!  meines  Lebens  Rosen 
Sind  alle  schon  verbluht. 

Mir  rvend*  nicht  zu  dein  bleiches, 
Dein  holdes  Angesicht, 
Das  Cluck  ist  em  zu  reiches, 
Von  dem  dein  Anblicfy  spricht. 

Mir  war's,  als  siisse  Treue 
Dein  feuchles  Aug9  verhiess, 
Ich  sah*  des  Gottes  Reue, 
Der  mich  ins  Elend  stiess. 

LORM. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  163 


What  shall  be  for  the  hopeless 
The  ecstasy  of  soul? 
The  roses  of  my  life 
Are  all  already  withered. 

Turn  not  to  me  thy  pale 
And  tender  countenance, 
The  joy  is  all  too  rich 
Of  which  thy  face  doth  speak. 

It  was  as  if  moist  eyes 
Gave  me  sweet  loyalty, 
I  saw  the  rue  of  God 
That  thrust  me  into  grief. 


164  Translations — German  Lyrics 


VORWARTS 

Vor&arts! 

Frohlich  und  frei! 

Folge  dem  leuchtenden  Ziele  des  Strebens, 
Das  dir  flammt  durch  die  Nebel  des  Lefcens, 

Muthig,  geduldig, 

Frohlich  und  frei! 

Fliehe  der  Menge 

Wines  GeTviihl! 

Lasse  die  Menschen  dich  nicht  fceruc^en, 
Wenn  sie  mil  hdmischent  lauernden  blicfyen 

Hdhnen,  wie  hoch  du 

Stelltest  das  Ziel! 

Jeder  lebt  in  des 

Tags  Einerlei, 

Aber  nur  Wenigen  Ward  es  gegeben, 
Ueber  das  fliichtige,  das  tdgliche  Leben 

Sich  zu  erheben 

Frohlich  und  frei. 

Immer  nur  vorrvdrts! 

Nimmer  zuruck/ 

Ahnt  sie  auch  £e/ner,  die  heimlichen  Thrdnen, 
Keiner  das  heisse,  das  gluhende  Sehnen 

Nach  der  Vollendung 

Herrlichem  GlucI?. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  165 


FORWARD 

FORWARD!  Forward! 

Happy  and  free! 

Follow  the  bright  goal  of  thy  race 

Shining  here  through  the  dim  mists  of  thy  life. 

Bravely  and  patient, 

Happy  and  free! 

Free  from  the  crowd's 

Chaos  and  jolting! 

Let  not  thy  fellows  deceive  you  when  they 
Spiteful  and  envious  treat  you  with  scorn 

However  high  thou 

Placest  thy  goal ! 

Common  men  live  in 

Daily  monotony. 

Only  the  few  to  whom  it  is  given 
Over  the  transient  and  commonplace  life, 

High  aims  to  achieve, 

Happy  and  free. 

Ever  then  forward! 

Never  turn  backwards 

None  ever  dreams  of  the  tears  that  are  secret, 
None,  of  the  glowing,  impatient  hot  longings 

After  perfection's 

Glorious  joys. 


1 66  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Kampfen  und  Ringen 

Stdhlt  dir  die  Kraft. 

Willst  du  dich  gegen  den  Feind  nicht  tvehren, 
Bringt  dich  auch  nimmer  ein  Sieg  zu  Ehren, 

Fliehest  du  den  Kampf,  tvird  der 

Preis  dir  entraffi. 

Wer  des  Cebirges 

Cipfel  besteigt, 

Darf  der  Beschwerden  des  Weges  nicht  achten! 
Mag  er  am  Brande  der  Sonne  schmachten, 

Vor&arts,  vorrvarts, 

Bald  ist's  erreicht! 

Sei  nur  geduldig, 

Fest  und  getreu! 

Ceistesarbeit  r^ec^t  einen  Bronnen 
Ungeahnter,  seliger  Wonnen: 

Strebe  nur  vorwarts 

Frohlich  und  frei. 

REMY. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  167 

Fighting  and  struggling 

Steel  you  in  power, 
If  you  strive  not  the  hostile  to  meet, 
Victory  brings  you  no  honor  for  toil, 

Would  you  flee  from  the  strife,  then  he 

Snatches  the  prize. 

Whoever  climbs 

High  up  the  mountains, 
Dare  not  consider  the  toils  of  the  way! 
Let  him  not  pine  in  the  heat  of  the  sun, 

Forward,  forward, 

Soon  is  it  reached ! 

Be  only  patient, 

Faithful  and  true! 

Toils  of  the  soul  will  then  open  the  springs 
Of  the  undreamed  and  happiest  joys 

Strive  only  forwards 

Happy  and  free! 


168  Translations — German  Lyrics 


VERBORCENHEIT 

Lass,  O  Welt,  O  lass  mich  sein! 
Locket  nicht  mit  Liebesgaben, 
Lasst  dies  Herz  alleine  haben 
Seine  Wonne,  seine  Pein! 

Was  ich  traure,  Weiss  ich  nicht, 
Es  ist  unbefcanntes  Wehe: 
Immerdar  durch  Thrdnen  sehe 
Ich  der  Sonne  liebes  Licht. 

Oft  bin  ich  mir  l^aum  bervusst, 
Und  die  helle  Freude  zucfyet 
Durch  die  Schrvere,  so  mich  driic^et, 
Wonniglich  in  meiner  Brust. 

Lass,  Oh  Welt,  O  lass  mich  sein! 
Locket  nicht  mit  Liebesgaben, 
Lasst  dies  Herz  alleine  haben 
Seine  Wonne,  seine  Pein! 

M*ORIKE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  169 


SOLITUDE 

LET  me  live  alone,  Oh  World! 
Lure  me  not  with  wiles  of  love, 
Let  my  heart  in  loneliness 
Feel  its  joy  and  pain! 

Why  I'm  sad  I  do  not  know, 
It  is  sorrow  yet  unknown ; 
Even  in  my  tears  I  gaze 
On  the  brilliance  of  the  sun. 

Often  am  I  hardly  conscious, 
And  my  brighter  joy  doth  flash 
Through  its  grief,  and  filling  there 
All  my  soul  in  happiness. 

Let  me  live  alone,  Oh  World ! 
Lure  me  not  with  wiles  of  love, 
Let  my  heart  in  loneliness 
Feel  its  joy  and  pain ! 


1  70  Translations — German  Lyrics 


HERBSTCEFUHL 

Milder  Clanz  der  Sonne, 
Blasses  Himmelblau: 
Von  ver£/ungner  Wonne 
Traumet  still  die  Au. 

An  der  letzten  Rose 
Lb'set  lebenssatt 
Sich  das  letzte  lose 
Bleiche  BlumenblatL 

Coldenes  Entfdrben 
Schleicht  sich  durch  den  Hain, 
Auch  Vergehn  und  Sterben 
Daucht  mir  suss  zu  sein. 

GEROK. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  7 1 


AUTUMN  REVERIE 

MlSTY  light  of  sun, 
Gray  empyrean: 
Of  a  vanished  joy 
Dream  the  quiet  meadows. 

From  the  autumn  rose, 
Drooping  from  its  stem 
Falls  the  faded  leaf, 
Sated  with  its  life. 

Golden  fading  colors 
Steal  upon  the  forest, 
Death  and  dying  seem 
Also  sweet  to  me. 


1  72  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDLIED 

Ich  stand  auf  Serges  Halde, 
Als  helm  die  Sonne  ging, 
Und  sah,  vie  uberm  Walde 
Des  Abends  Coldnetz  hing. 

Des  Himmels  Wolfyen  thauten 
Der  Erde  Friede  zu, 
Bel  Abendglocfyenlauten 
Clng  die  Natur  zu  Ruh\ 

Ich  sptach:  O  Herz  empftnde 
Der  Schdpfung  Stille  nun, 
Und  schick  mit  jedem  Kinde 
Der  Flur  dich  aucht  zu  ruhn. 

Die  Blumen  alle  schliessen 
Die  Augen  allgemach, 
Und  alle  Wellen  fliessen 
Besdnftiget  im  Bach. 

Nun  hat  der  miide  Sylphe 
Sich  unters  Blatt  gesetzt, 
Und  die  LibeW  am  Schilfe 
Entschlummert  thaubenetzt. 

Es  r»ard  dem  goldnen  Kafer 
Zur  Wieg9  ein  Rosenblatt; 
Die  Herde  mit  dem  Schdfer 
Sucht  ihre  Lagerstatt. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  73 


EVENING  HYMN 

I  STOOD  on  mountain  top, 
The  sun  was  homeward  bound, 
And  saw  how  o'er  the  forest 
The  evening  twilight  hung. 

The  clouds  of  heaven  shed 
The  peace  of  evening  there, 
And  with  the  sunset  bells 
The  world  lay  down  to  rest. 

I  spoke,  Oh  Heart,  feel  thou 
Creation's  stillness  now, 
With  every  creature  thine 
Betake  thyself  to  rest. 

The  flowers  softly  close 
Their  petals  for  the  night, 
And  waters  softly  flow 
In  calm  and  silent  brooks. 

And  now  the  wearied  sylph 
Is  sleeping  under  leaves, 
And  crickets  in  the  rushes 
Are  silent  in  the  dew. 

The  golden  beetle  has 
A  roseleaf  for  a  cradle: 
The  shepherd  and  his  flock 
Seek  now  their  place  of  sleep. 


1  74  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Die  Lerche  sucht  aus  Luften 
Ihr  feuchtes  Nest  im  Klee 
Und  in  des  Waldes  Schluften 
Ihr  Lager  Hirsch  und  Reh. 

Wer  sein  ein  Hiittchen  nennet 
Ruht  nun  darin  sich  aus; 
Und  B>en  die  Fremde  trennet, 
Den  trdgt  ein  Traum  nach  Haus. 

Mich  fasest  ein  Verlangen 
Dass  ich  zu  dieser  Frist 
Hinauf  nicht  £ann  gelangen 
Wo  meine  Heimat  ist. 

RiJCKERT. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  75 

From  skies  the  lark  doth  seek 
Its  dewy  nest  in  meadows, 
<\nd  in  the  forest  depths 
The  mated  deer  their  rest. 

Whoever  claims  a  cottage 
Finds  his  peace  therein, 
And  whom  strange  lands  now  part 
In  dreams  he  seeks  a  home. 

I  feel  a  painful  sigh 
Because  I  cannot  now 
Direct  my  footsteps  on  above 
Where  heaven  waits  for  me. 


1  76  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ERMANNVNC 

Herz,  lass  das  Z&eifeln,  lass  das  Klauben, 
Vor  dem  das  Beste  selbst  zerfallt, 
Und  wahre  dir  den  Rest  von  Glauben 
An  Gutes  noch  in  dieser  Welt. 

Schau  hin  auf  ernes  Weibes  Zuget 
Das  lachelnd  auf  den  Sdugling  hlic^t, 
Und  f tiki's:  es  ist  nicht  alles  Luge, 
Was  uns  das  Leben  bringt  und  schickt. 

Und  Herze,  rvillst  du  ganz  genesen, 
Sei  selber  n>a/ir,  sei  selber  rein! 
Was  wir  in  Welt  und  Menschen  lesen, 
Ist  nur  der  eigne  Wiederschein. 

FoNTANE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  177 


COURAGE 

HEART,  stop  your  doubting,  stop  your  snarling, 
Before  which  e'en  the  best  will  crumble, 
And  save  the  residue  of  faith 
In  good  that  yet  rules  in  the  world. 

Look  at  the  features  of  a  mother 
Who  gazes  smiling  at  her  child, 
And  feel  it  is  not  all  illusion 
That  brings  or  makes  our  life  for  us. 

Oh  heart,  if  happiness  you  gain, 
Be  true  thyself,  be  pure  thyself, 
For  what  we  see  in  man  and  nature 
Is  but  reflection  of  ourselves. 


1  78  Translations — German  Lyrics 


FREMD  IN  DER  HEIMAT 

In  der  Heimat  war  ich  ivieder, 
Alles  hab*  ich  mir  besehn. 
Als  ein  Fremder  auf  und  nieder 
Miisst9  ich  in  den  Strassen  gehn. 

Nur  im  Friedhof  fern  alleine 
HaV  ich  manchen  Freund  erfyannt, 
Und  bei  einem  Leichensteine 
Fuhlt  ich  erne  leise  Hand. 

GREIF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  1  79 


UNKNOWN  AT  HOME 

IN  my  early  home  again 
Everywhere  I  sought  for  friends. 
As  a  stranger,  up  and  down, 
Must  I  wander  in  the  streets. 

Only  in  the  graveyard  far 
Found  I  many  friends  I  knew. 
Standing  near  a  monument 
I  felt  a  gentle  hand. 


180  Translations — German  Lyrics 


O  trockne  diese  Thrane  nicht 
Die  d'vr  im  Auge  schimmert, 
Der  Perle  gleich,  die  rein  und  licht 
Im  Kelch  der  Rose  flimmert! 

Die  Liebe  T»ars  die  sie  gebar, 
Der  sel'ge  Schmerz  der  Liebe; 
Drum  schimmert  sie  so  wunderbar — 
Ach9  dass  sie  ervig  bliebe! 

Sie  gldnzt  so  rein,  sie  gldnzt  so  hell — 
Mich  ruhri  ihr  fluchtig  Leben; 
Ach,  dasst  rvas  aus  so  heil'gem  Quell 
Geflossen,  muss  verschweben, 

Dass,  was  der  reinsten  Seele  Schacht 
Entbluhte,  schmerzumwittert, 
Mil  seines  Glanzes  Wunderpracht 
V erschwindet  und  verzittert. 

Sie  gldnzt  so  rem,  sfe  gldnzt  so  fylar 
In  deinem  Aug\  dem  blauen, 
Und  immer  loc^t  mich's  rvunderbar, 
In  ihren  Glanz  zu  shauen! 

Du  schonst  der  Perle  sons/,  die  licht 
Im  Kelch  der  Rose  flimmert — 
O  trockne  diese  Thrane  nicht, 
Die  dir  im  Auge  schimmert! 

HAMERLING. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  181 


Oh,  do  not  dry  the  tears 

That  in  thy  eyes  so  shimmer! 

Like  pearls,  that  always  pure  and  light 

In  blooms  of  roses  glimmer! 

'Twas  love  that  bore  them  there, 
The  happy  pangs  of  love; 
Therefore  they  ever  brightly  shine. 
Oh,  let  them  stay  forever ! 

They  shine  so  clear  and  bright, 
I  feel  their  transient  life; 
Alas  what  came  from  such  a  source 
Must  sadly  vanish  there. 

What  bloomed  in  all  the  deeps 
Of  soul,  in  storms  of  pain, 
With  all  its  glory  splendor  there, 
Must  sadly  fade  and  die. 

They  shine  so  pure,  they  shine  so  clear 

In  thy  blue  eyes  alone 

And  ever  lure  my  soul  enrapt 

To  gaze  into  their  light! 

But  sparest  thou  the  pearls  that  light 
In  blooms  of  roses  glimmer — 
Oh,  do  not  dry  the  briny  tears 
That  in  thy  eyes  so  shimmer! 


182  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDLIED 

Schallendens  Hdmmern 
Tief  unten  im  Thai. 
Streitendes  Ddmmern 
Mil  sterbendem  Strahl. 

Nahe  rvie  feme 
Der  Glocfyen  Gelaut, 
Leuchtende  Sterne 
Am  Himmel  zerstreut. 

Frieden  und  Schlummer 
Ihr  fyehret  nun  ein9 
Scheuchtet  den  Kummer 
Und  loset  die  Pern. 

GREIF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  183 


EVENING  HYMN 

ECHOING  hammers 
Deep  in  the  valley. 
Struggling  of  twilight 
With  setting  of  sun. 

Near  and  so  far 
The  sound  of  the  bells, 
Light  of  the  stars 
In  heaven  illumes. 

Slumber  and  peace, 
Ye  enter  now  in, 
Drive  away  grief 
And  soothe  us  in  pain. 


184  Translations — German  Lyrics 


MEIN  LIED 

Meln  Lied  ist  £urz — T»as  liegt  daran? 
Kurz  T»ie  des  Lebens  Lauf; 
Und  Tver's  nicht  Tveiter  dichten  £ann, 
Der  geV  das  Hbren  auf. 

Den  Himmel  dir  £ein  Dichter  bringt, 
Stellt  nur  die  Leiter  an, 
Drauf,  Tver's  versteht,  sich  lustig  schwingt 
Zum  Himmelreich  hinan! 

STANISLAS. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  185 


MY  SONG 

MY  song  is  brief- — what  matters  it? 
As  brief  as  is  my  life; 
And  he  who  cannot  further  sing 
Should  listen  not  to  me. 

No  poet  can  thy  heaven  make, 
But  only  points  the  way 
On  which  the  wise  may  joyous  take 
Their  upward  flight  to  God ! 


186  Translations — German  Lyrics 


BETRACHTUNC 

Selten,  dass  ein  Weggenoss 
Longer  bei  dir  weilet, 
Ah  der  Blumen  holder  Duft 
Mil  den  Winden  eilet. 

LEYDEN. 


LIEBEN  UND  LEBEN 

Wer  je  gelebt  in  Liebesarmen, 
Der  £ann  im  Leben  nie  verarmen; 
Und  musst*  er  sterben  fern,  allein, 
Er  fiihlte  noch  die  seVge  Stunde, 
Wo  er  gelebt  an  ihrem  Munde, 
Und  noch  im  Tode  ist  sie  sein. 

STORM. 


O  sei  getrost!  Es  giebt  ein  Eto'ges  Licht; 
Nicht  Tod  noch  Schicfysal  fyann  die  heiUge  Gate 
Der  eignen  Kraft  der  reinen  Seele  rauben. 
Wohl  darfst  du  toeinen,  zagen  darfst  du  nichtt 
Denn  menschlich  ist  die  Thrdn  am  frischen  Grate; 
Doch  gottlich  isCst  zu  lacheln  und  zu  glauben. 

SCHULZE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  187 


REFLECTION 

SELDOM  does  one's  dearest  friend 
Longer  by  him  linger  here, 
Than  the  flowers'  sweet  perfume 
On  the  airy  fairy  winds. 


LOVE  AND  LIFE 

WHOEVER  lives  in  arms  of  love, 
In  life  can  never,  then,  be  poor, 
And  should  he  die  alone  and  far, 
Still  he  would  feel  the  happy  days, 
When  he  there  hung  upon  her  lips, 
And  she  remains  for  him  in  death. 


Be  brave!    There  is  an  everlasting  light; 
For  neither  death  nor  fate  can  rob 
The  soul  of  its  own  sacred  power. 
You  may  well  weep,  you  must  not  fear, 
For  tears  are  human  at  the  grave; 
Tho  cheerfulness  and  faith  are  then  divjns. 


188  Translations — German  Lyrics 


EIN  GLEICHES 

Ueber  alien  Gipfeln 

1st  Ruh9; 

In  alien  Wipfeln 

Sparest  du 

Kaum  einen  Hauch; 

Die  Vogelein  schweigen  im  W aide 

Warte  nur,  balde 

Ruhest  du  auch. 

GCETHE. 


DIE  ARBEIT 

Nur  Arbeit  hebt  dich  sanft  hinwcg 
Aus  dump  fern  Welt — Verneinen: 
Sie  gibt  der  Stunde  einen  Zrveck, 
Hat  auch  das  Leben  fyeinen. 

BLUMENTHAL. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  189 


A  COMPARISON 

OVER  every  hill 

Is  peace; 

In  all  tree  tops 

You  can  trace 

Scarcely  a  breath; 

The  birdlings  are  silent  in  forest 

Wait  only,  soon 

Thou  willt  rest  too. 


WORK 

'TlS  only  work  that  kindly  saves 
From  suicide  of  soul: 
It  gives  some  purpose  to  the  day 
Tho  life  have  none  to  show. 


190  Translations — German  Lyrics 

AUF  MEINES  KINDES  TOD 


Freuden  toollC  ich  dir  bereiten, 
Zwischen  /Camp/en,  Lust  und  Schmerz 
Wollf  ich  treulich  dich  geleiten 
Durch  das  Leben  himmelrvarts. 

Doch  du  hasCs  allein  gefunden, 
Wo  fain  Vaier  fiihren  £ann, 
Durch  die  ernstet  dunfyle  Stunden 
Gingst  du  schuldlos  mir  voran. 

IV ie  das  Sduseln  leiser  Schwingen 
Drausen  uber  Thai  und  Kluft 
Ging  zur  selben  Stund*  ein  Singen 
Feme  durch  die  stille  Luft. 

Und  so  frb'hlich  War  der  Morgen, 
9S  TPar,  als  ob  das  Singen  spfach: 
"  Jetzo  lasset  alle  Sorgen, 
Liebt  ihr  mich,  so  folgt  mir  nach!  " 

2 

Von  fern  die  Uhren  schlagen9 
Es  ist  schon  tiefe  Nacht, 
Die  Lampe  brennt  so  duster, 
Dem  Bettlein  ist  gemacht. 

Die  W'mde  nur  noch  gehen 
Wehklagend  um  das  Haus, 
Wir  sitzen  einsam  drinne 
Und  lauschen  oft  hinaus. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  191 


THE  DEATH  OF  A  CHILD 

1 

HAPPINESS  would  I  give  thee, 
'Twixt  struggle,  joy  and  pain 
Would  I  lead  thee  faithfully 
Through  this  life  and  heavenwards. 

Yet  alone  hast  found  the  way 
Where  no  father  now  can  lead, 
Through  the  sad  and  troubled  hour 
Innocent  hast  gone  before. 

Like  the  sigh  of  gentle  winds, 
Moving  over  hill  and  vale, 
Music  floats  at  that  same  hour 
Far  upon  the  silent  air. 

And  so  happy  was  the  morn, 
'Twas  as  if  the  music  spoke: 
"  Now  leave  all  thy  cares  and  grief, 
If  you  love  me,  follow  me." 

2 

Afar  the  clocks  were  striking, 
And  fallen  is  the  night, 
The  lamp  is  burning  dimly, 
Thy  little  bed  is  waiting. 

The  winds  alone  are  moaning 
Around  the  house  in  grief, 
We  sit  alone  within 
And  listen  oft  without. 


192  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Es  1st,  als  milsstest  leise 
Du  fylopfen  an  die  Thiir, 
Du  hottest  dick  nur  verirret, 
Kdmst  mild9  zuruck  zu  mir. 

Wir  armen,  armen  Thoren! 
Wir  'men  ja  im  Graus 
Des  Dunfyels  nun  verloren; 
Du  fandest  Idngst  nach  Haus. 

3 

Dort  ist  so  tiefer  Schatten, 
Du  schldfst  in  guter  Ruh\ 
Es  decfyt  mit  grunen  Matten 
Der  Hebe  Gott  dich  zu. 

Die  alien  Weiden  neigen 
Sich  auf  dein  Beit  herein, 
Die  Voglein  in  den  Zweigen 
Sie  singen  treu  dich  ein. 

Und  rvie  in  goldnen  Trdumen 
Geht  Under  Fruhlingsrvind 
Rings  in  den  stillen  Bdumen — 
Schlaf  T»ohlt  mein  susses  Kind! 

4 

Mein  liebes  Kind,  ade! 
Ich  konnC  ade  nicht  sagen, 
Als  sie  dich  fortgetragent 
Vor  tiefemt  tiefem  Weh. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  193 

It  seems  as  lightly  there 
Were  knocking  on  the  door, 
And  you,  astray  awhile, 
Came  weary  back  to  me. 

And  we  poor  living  fools ! 
We  ever  wander  lost 
In  darkness  and  dismay; 
But  thou  hast  found  thy  home. 

3 

Beyond  are  shadows  dark, 
Thou  sleepest  there  in  peace, 
In  green  and  grassy  meads 
A  love  divine  protects. 

The  weeping  willows  bend 
Now  o'er  thy  sodded  bed, 
The  birdlings  in  the  tree 
Are  singing  thee  to  sleep. 

And  like  a  golden  dream 
A  gentle  zephyr  blows 
Among  the  quiet  trees — 
Have  thou  sweet  rest,  my  child. 

4 

My  dearest  child,  farewell ! 
I  could  not  say  farewell 
When  thou  wast  born  away 
Because  of  deep,  deep  grief. 


194  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Jetzt  auf  lichtgrilnem  Plan 
Stehst  du  im  Myrtenkranze 
Und  lachelst  aus  dem  Glanze 
Mich  still  voll  Mitleid  an. 

Und  Jahre  nahn  und  ge/m, 
Wia  bald  bin  ich  verstoben, 
O  bitt  fur  mich  da  droben 
Dass  ivir  uns  iviedersehn! 

ElCHENDORF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  195 

Upon  the  lawns  of  Eden 
Thou  standest  myrtle  crowned 
And  smilest,  in  the  light, 
On  me  with  pity  now. 

The  years  have  come  and  gone, 
How  soon  have  I  grown  old, 
Oh  ask  in  Paradise 
That  we  may  meet  again. 


196  Translations — German  Lyrics 


O  Lieb\  O  Liebe! 
So  golden  scfcon, 
Wie  MorgenTvolfyen 
Auf  jenen  Hohn! 

Du  segnest  herrlich 
Das  frische  Feld, 
Im  Bliitendampfe 
Die  voile  Welt. 

G(ETHE. 


Sei  du  mir  heilig, 
Sei  den  Geliebten 
Lieber  als  andere 
Felsen  des  Thais. 

GCETHE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  197 


Oh  love,  Oh  love! 
Thy  golden  beauty 
Like  morning  clouds 
On  yonder  heights! 

You  nobly  bless 
The  freshened  field, 
In  blooming  mists 
The  greater  world. 


Be  to  me  holy, 
Be  to  the  lovers 
Lovelier  than  other 
Rocks  of  the  valley. 


198  Translations — German  Lyrics 


UNSER  HERZ 

Unser  Herz  ist  cine  Harfe, 
Rine  Harfe  mil  zwei  Saiten, 
In  der  eine  jauchzt  die  Freude, 
Und  der  Schmerz  we'mi  in  der  Ztveiten. 
Und  des  Schicksals  Finger  sfrielen 
Kundig  drauf  die  en? 'gen  Klange, 
Heute  frohe  Hochzeitslieder, 
Morgen  dumpfe  Grabgesdnge. 

ROSEGGER. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  199 


OUR  HEARTS 

OUR  hearts  are  like  a  harp, 
Like  a  harp  with  double  string, 
In  the  one  sighs  happiness, 
In  the  other  weeps  but  grief. 
And  the  hands  of  fate  are  playing 
Shrewdly  there  the  eternal  songs, 
Happy  wedding  songs  today, 
Mournful  dirges  on  the  morrow. 


200  Translations — German  Lyrics 


I 

Nur  das  thut  mir  so  bitterweh, 
Dass  Niemand  mir  von  ihm  erzahlt, 
Ob  ich  ihn  je  nur  T»iederseh\ 
Und  ob  er  glucfylich  hat  gervahlt. 

Ich  mb'chf  nur  einmal  noch  ihn  sehn, 
Und  zog  er  auch  an  mir  vorfce/, 
Wollf  ungesehn  am  Fenster  stehn, 
Nur  schauen,  ob  gluc^lich  sei! 

2 

So  lang  mein  Himmel  heiter  blaut, 
Will  ich  nicht  an  die  Woll^e  denken; 
So  lang  die  Locfye  nicht  ergraut, 
Will  ich  mein  bliihend  Haupi  nicht  sen£en. 

Denfyt  denn  die  Blume  ans  Verbluhn, 
Wenn  sie  der  Knospe  sich  entrvindet 
Denkt  denn  der  Stern  in  seinem  Gluhn, 
Dass  er  am  Morgen  schon  erblindet  ? 

REDWITZ. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  201 


This  only  is  my  bitter  pain, 
That  no  one  tells  me  of  his  fate, 
Or  whether  I  shall  see  him  more, 
And  whether  he  chose  happily. 

I  wish  but  once  to  see  him  now, 
And  even  if  he  passed  me  by, 
Would  unseen  at  the  window  stand 
To  see  if  he  is  happy  now. 

But  while  my  sky  is  fair  and  blue 
I  will  not  think  about  the  clouds, 
And  while  my  locks  do  not  turn  gray 
I  will  not  bend  in  grief  or  pain. 

Do  flowers  dream  of  faded  life 
While  they  unfold  their  blooming  buds? 
Or  do  the  shining  stars  regret 
That  they  shall  vanish  in  the  morn? 


202  Translations — German  Lyrics 


TROST  DER  NACHT 

Klage  nicht,  beirubies  Kind, 

Klage  nicht  urns  junge  Leben, 

Manche  susse  Lust  verrinnt, 

Dock  manch  Leid  auch  rvird  sich  geben. 

1st  der  Tag  so  schb'n  errvacht 
Mil  der  Morgenrbthe  feme; 
Klage  nicht,  es  hat  die  Nacht 
Einen  Himmel  auch  und  Sterne. 

SPITTA. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  203 


CONSOLATION  OF  NIGHT 

Do  not  mourn,  Oh  troubled  soul, 
Hush  thy  plaint  for  youthful  life, 
Many  lovely  joys  pass  by, 
Also  many  pains  are  gone. 

When  the  day  so  lovely  wakes 
With  the  morning  dawn  afar, 
Do  not  weep,  for  e'en  the  night 
Has  its  heaven,  and  its  stars. 


204  Translations — German  Lyrics 


ABENDDAMERUNC 


Sei  Tpillkommen,  Zwielichtstunde! 
Dich  vor  alien  lieV  ich  langst, 
Die  du,  lindernd  jede  Wunde, 
Unsre  Seele  mild  umfdngst. 

Hin  durch  deine  Ddmmerhelle 
In  den  Luften,  abendfeucht, 
Schrveben  Bilder,  die  der  grelle 
Schein  des  lauten  Tags  gescheuchi. 

Trdume  und  Erinnerungen 
Nahen  aus  der  Kinderzeit, 
Flustern  mil  den  Ceisterzungen 
vergangner  Selig^eit. 


Und  zu  Jugendlust-Genossen 
Kehren  toir  ins  Vaierhaus; 
Arme,  die  uns  einst  umschlossent 
Breiten  neu  sich  nach  uns  aus. 

Nach  dem  Trennungsschmerz,  dem  langen, 
Durfen  Jvir  noch  einmal  nun 
Denen,  die  dahingegangen, 
Am  geliebten  Herzen  ruhn; 

Und,  indess  zum  Augenlide, 
Sanft  der  Schlummer  niederrinnt, 
Sinkt  auf  uns  ein  sel'ger  Friede 
Aust  dem  Land,  n>o  jene  sind. 

SCHACK. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  205 


TWILIGHT 

THOU  art  welcome,  twilight  hour! 
Thee  I  love  before  all  else, 
Thou  who  healest  every  wound, 
Gently  holdest  us  in  peace. 

Through  the  gloaming's  golden  light 
In  the  breezes,  moist  with  dew, 
Wander  shadows  which  the  glaring 
Light  of  day  doth  drive  afar. 

Dreams  and  recollections  far 
Come  to  me  from  childhood's  hours, 
Whisper  with  a  spirit's  voice 
Memories  of  happiness. 

Comrades  of  my  youthful  days 
Meet  me  in  our  father's  house; 
Arms  that  once  embraced  us  there 
Reach  to  us  again  with  joy. 

After  pains  of  parting  long, 
Unto  those  who  far  have  gone, 
We  may  still  once  more  aglow 
In  beloved  breasts  find  peace. 

And  on  eyelids  weary  now 

Softly  fall  the  wings  of  sleep, 

Comes  to  us  a  happy  peace 

From  that  land  where  dwell  the  dead. 


206  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Zu  deinen  Fussen  will  ich  ruhn 
Und  dir  ins  Auge  schaun, 
Die  blaue  Nacht  mag  leise  nun 
Auf  uns  hernieder  thaun. 

Schon  tauchet  aus  dem  stillen  See 
Des  Mondes  Bild  empor, 
Und  Buhner  schweift  das  scheue  Reh 
Durch  Wald  und  Wiesenmoor. 

Mem  Haupt  lass  ruhn  auf  deinem  Schoos, 
Da  ruht  es  sanft  und  reeich, 
W ie  ist  der  Himmel  weit  und  gross, 
Wie  ist  die  Erde  reich! 

Der  schonste  Stern  in  blauer  Nacht, 
Der  schonste  Stern  bist  dut 
In  deines  Lichtes  sanfter  Pracht, 
O  gonne  mir  die  Ruh! 

An  deinem  Herzen  lass  mich  ruhn 
Nur  kurze  sel'ge  Zeit! 
Kein  Lauscher  fyundet  unser  Thun, 
Die  Welt  ist  traumgefeit. 

An  deinen  Lippen  lass  mich  ruhn, 
Eh9  noch  die  Nacht  verglimmt, 
Bis  unsre  Seele  trdumend  nun 
In  Selig^eit  verschwimmt. 

ROQUETTE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  207 


Oh  let  me  kneel  now  at  thy  feet 
And  gaze  into  thine  eyes, 
The  azure  night  may  gently  then 
Distil  on  us  the  dew. 

Upon  the  glassy  lake  there  falls 
The  moonbeams'  silver  light, 
And  boldly  roams  the  timid  deer 
Through  wood  and  meadow  moor. 

My  head  would  lie  upon  thy  lap, 
So  soft  and  tender  there, 
How  large  and  wide  is  heaven  now, 
How  rich  the  earth  for  us ! 

The  brightest  star  in  azure  night, 
The  brightest  star  art  thou, 
The  tender  glory  of  thy  face 
Will  bring  me  needed  peace. 

Oh  let  me  rest  upon  thy  breast 
A  brief  and  happy  space ! 
No  secret  watcher  knows  our  acts, 
The  world  is  deep  in  dreams. 

Oh  let  me  rest  upon  thy  lips 
Before  the  night  doth  fade, 
Until  our  souls  may  dream  in  deep 
And  sated  happiness. 


208  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Wenn  der  Uralte 
Heilige  Vaier 
Mil  gelassener  Hand 
Aus  rollenden  W oilmen 
Segnende  Blitze 
Ueber  die  Erde  sat, 
Kuss  ich  den  letzten 
Saum  seines  Kleides, 
Kindliche  Schauer 
Treu  in  der  Brust. 

Denn  mil  Gb'ttern 
Soil  sich  nicht  messen 
Irgend  ein  Mensch. 
Hebt  er  sich  auf warts 
Und  beruhrt 

Mil  dem  Scheitel  die  Sterne, 
Nirgends  haften  dann 
Die  unsichern  Sohlen, 
Und  mit  ihm  spielen 
Wol^en  und  Winde. 

Steht  er  mit  festen 
Markigen  Knochen 
Auf  der  rvohlgegrundeten 
Dauernden  Erde, 
Reicht  er  nicht  aufwdrts 
Nur  mit  der  Eiche 
Oder  der  Rebe 
Sich  zu  vergleichen. 

GcETHE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  209 

When  the  o'er-old 
Heavenly  Father 
With  his  tranquil-like  hand 
From  rolling  white  clouds 
Blessings  in  thunderbolts 
Sows  over  earth, 
Kiss  I  the  last 
Hem  of  his  garment, 
Childlike  in  awe 
Faithful  in  heart. 

For  with  the  Gods 
Never  should  man 
Measure  himself. 
If  he  reach  upward 
And  touches  the  stars 
With  his  high  head, 
Never  will  he  fix 
His  insecure  feet, 
With  him  will  play 
Clouds  and  the  winds. 

Stands  he  with  fixed, 
Bold  and  firm  feet 
On  the  well  based 
Solid  old  earth, 
Reaches  not  upward, 
Only  with  the  oak 
Or  the  weak  vine 
Himself  to  compare. 


210  Translations — German  Lyrics 


MIT  DIR 

Nimm  mlch  mitt  wohin  dein  Fuss 
Auf  des  Lebens  Pfaden  gehet; 
Denn  da  rveht  mir  Heimatsgruss, 
Wo  dein  siisser  Atem  wehet. 

Nimm  mich  mil,  rvenn  kuhn  dein  Geist 
Fliegt  durch  alle  Himmelsrdume 
Und  zur  Erde,  die  ver&aist, 
Bringt  des  Jenseits  goldne  Traume. 

Nimm  mich  mil,  n>enn  ms  Gefecht, 
Wo  du  heldenherrlich  streitest 
Fur  der  Menscheit  heilig  Recht, 
Dut  ein  edler  Riiter  schreitest. 

Nimm  mich  mil,  n>enn  still  gebuckt. 
Zu  der  tiefen  Geisterquelle. 
Deine  Seele  sich  erquickt 
Mil  des  Denkens  Lebenswelle. 

Nimm  mich  mit,  es  sei  dein  Theil 
Wonne,  Jammer,  Leben,  Sterben! 
Nimm  mich  mit  ins  e&'ge  Hell 
Und  ins  ervige  Verderben. 

PAOLI 


Translations — German  Lyrics  2 1  1 


WITH  THEE 

Take  me,  dear,  where'er  thy  feet 
Travel  on  the  paths  of  life; 
There  my  home  will  ever  be 
Where  thy  life  doth  sweetly  pass. 

Take  me,  dear,  when  bold  thy  soul 
Takes  its  flight  to  heavenly  realms 
And  unto  the  orphaned  earth 
Brings  the  golden  dreams  of  Eden. 

Take  me,  dear,  when  in  the  strife, 
Where  heroic  battle  wages 
For  the  sacred  rights  of  man, 
Thou,  a  noble  knight,  willt  join. 

Take  me,  dear,  when  silent  bent 
In  the  springs  of  deepest  truth, 
Thou  refreshest  there  thy  soul 
In  the  waters  of  reflection. 

Take  me,  dear,  and  be  thy  lot 
Joy  or  grief  or  life  or  death! 
Take  me,  dear,  forever  thine, 
In  eternal  joy  or  pain. 


212  Translations — German  Lyrics 


VNVERLOREN 

Nur  fliichtig  ist  der  Liebe  Cluck; 
Es  rechne  Reiner  in  die  Feme 
Und  Reiner  schaue  bang9  zuruck, 
Versanfyen  seines  Himmels  Sterne. 

Ernst  fassest  du  es  selber  nicht, 
Dass  du  so  heiss  nach  mir  gerungen, 
Dass  n>/r  voll  Liebe,  Cluck  und  Licht, 
So  Weltvergessen  uns  umschlungen. 

Ich  aber  £/age  dich  nicht  an 

Und  trage  stumm  des  Schicfysals  Walten, 

Wenn  unerbittlich  mir  zerrann, 

Was  nimmer,  nimmer  festzuhalten. 

Ob  all  die  Tage,  goldumsdumtt 
Mir  nichts  von  treuer  Dauer  brachten: 
Da  ich  geliebt,  gehofft,  getrdumt, 
Was  sollf  ich  als  verloren  achten? 

MlLOW. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  2 1  3 


NOT  LOST 

BUT  transient  is  the  joy  of  love; 
Let  no  one  reckon  on  the  morrow 
And  none  feel  pain  for  yesterday, 
Altho  his  heaven's  stars  are  setting. 

For  once  you  did  not  know  yourself 
How  much  you  dearly  longed  for  me, 
How  much  in  happiness  and  love 
We  lived  forgetful  of  the  world. 

But  never  plaint  will  come  from  me, 
And  silently  I  bear  my  fate, 
That  rob  me  so  remorselessly 
Of  all  that  I  could  never  keep. 

If  all  the  gold  embroidered  days 

Brought  no  fidelity  to  me: 

That  I  have  loved,  have  hoped,  have  dreamed, 

Should  I  think  anything  as  lost? 


214  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DIE  JUNGE  MUTTER 

Im  hellen  Blumengarten 
Eine  fromme  Mutter  stand, 
Ihr  herzig  Kind  zu  warten; 
Sie  rviegt  es  mil  der  Hand. 

Die  Bliithenzweige  fdcheln, 
Der  Knabe  regt  sich  fyaum, 
Er  blic^t  mit  siissem  Ldcheln 
Zum  blauen  Himmelsraum. 

Die  goldnen  Lockchen  rvehen 
Ihm  um  das  Haupt  zumal; 
Was  mag  das  Kindlein  sehen 
Im  grossen  Himmelssaal? 

Es  strecket  mit  Verlangen 
Die  zarten  Arme  aus, 
Den  Vater  zu  erlangen 
Dort  oben  im  hellen  Haus. 

Die  Englein  off  erscheinen, 
Sie  bringen  sel'gen  Grass; 
Wie  fyommt  es,  dass  ich  weinen, 
So  herzlich  weinen  muss? 

MOSEN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  215 


THE  YOUNG  MOTHER 

IN  shining  flower  garden 
A  tender  mother  stands 
To  watch  her  darling  child, 
While  rocking  it  to  rest. 

The  budding  branches  sway, 
The  child  lies  calmly  there 
And  gazes  sweetly  smiling 
Into  the  azure  blue. 

Its  golden  locks  are  blowing 
About  its  head  the  while; 
What  sees  the  child  above 
In  heaven's  palace  far? 

It  stretches  out  its  arms 
In  tender  longing  now, 
Its  father  dear  to  reach, 
Who  dwells  in  starry  home. 

The  angels  gather  there 
And  happy  greetings  bring; 
Why  is  it  that  I  weep, 
Must  weep  so  bitterly? 


216  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Wer  heute  sich  nicht  heben 
1st  ewig  ein  verlorner  man. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Es  £ann  die  Spur  von  meinen  Erdetagen 
Nicht  in  /Eonen  untergehn. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Nicht  jeden  leitet  ein  gelinder  Gang 
Unmerfylich  in  das  stille  Reich  der  Schatten. 

GCETHE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  2 1  7 


Who  cannot  save  himself  today 
Is  lost  for  all  eternity. 


The  traces  of  my  earthly  days 
In  ages  cannot  fade. 


But  few,  insensibly,  by  gentle  paths 
Are  led  into  the  silent  realm  of  shadows. 


2 1 8  Translations — German  Lyrics 


FRACE 

O  Menschenherz,  n>as  ist  dein  G/iicfcP 
Em  rathselhaft  geborner, 
Und,  ^aum  gegrusst,  verlorner 
Untoiederholter  Augenblick/ 

LENAU. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  219 


QUERY 

OH,  human  heart,  what  is  thy  joy? 
A  moment  born  in  mystery, 
And  soon  as  felt  is  gone, 
To  be  repeated  ne'er  again. 


220  Translations — German  Lyrics 


CUTER  RATH 

Geniesse  still  zufrieden 
Den  sonnig  heitern  Tag, 
Du  rveisst  nicht,  ob  hienieden 
Ein  gleicher  fyommen  mag. 

Es  gibt  so  triibe  Zeiten, 
Da  rvird  das  Herz  uns  schrver, 
Da  TPogf  von  alien  Seiten 
Um  uns  ein  Nebelmeer. 

Da  wiichse  tief  im  Innern 
Die  Finsterniss  mit  Macht, 
Ging  nicht  ein  siiss  Errinnern 
j4ls  Mondlicht  durch  die  Nacht. 

STURM. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  221 


ADVICE 

ENJOY  in  silent  peace 
The  sunny  happy  days, 
You  know  not  here  below 
The  like  may  come  again. 

So  many  troubled  hours 
To  make  a  heavy  heart, 
And  raging  cloudy  seas 
Now  sadden  all  the  shores. 

Then  grows  now  deep  within 
The  darkness  and  its  gloom, 
There  comes  no  memory 
Like  moonlight  o'er  the  night 


222  Translations — German  Lyrics 


Hochste  Herrscherin  der  Welt! 
Lasse  mich  im  blauen 
Ausgespannten  Himmelszelt 
Dein  Geheimniss  schauen! 
Billige,  Was  des  Mannes  Brust 
Ernst  und  zart  beweget 
Und  mit  heiliger  Liebeslust 
Dir  entgegen  trdget! 
Unbezrvinglich  unser  Muth, 
Wenn  du  hehr  gebietest; 
Plotzlich  mildert  sich  die  Gluth, 
Wie  du  uns  befriedest. 
Jungfrau,  rein  im  schonsten  S/nn, 
Mutter,  Ehren  rvurdig, 
Uns  erivahlte  Konigin, 
Gb'ttern  ebenbiirtig. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  223 


Noblest  ruler  of  the  world 

Let  me  in  the  blue 

Infinite  and  starry  vault 

See  thy  secret  deep! 

Cherish,  then,  what  the  heart  of  man 

Deep  and  tender  moves 

And  with  holier  passion  there 

Brings  as  offering! 

And  invincible  our  heart 

When  thou  commandest ; 

Cools  at  once  the  passion 

When  thou  givest  peace. 

Virgin,  pure  in  noblest  sense, 

Mother,  meet  for  honor, 

And  our  chosen  queen, 

Equal  of  the  gods. 


224  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DER  SCHWERE  ABEND 

Die  dunfylen  Wolfyen  hingen 
Herab  so  bang  und  schrver, 
Wir  beide  traurig  gingen 
Im  Garten  hin  und  her. 

So  heiss  und  stumm,  so  trilbe 
Und  sternlos  war  die  Nacht, 
So  ganz,  rvie  unsre  Liebe, 
Zur  Thrdnen  nur  gemacht. 

Und  als  ich  musste  scheiden 
Und  gute  Nacht  dir  bot, 
Wiinschf  ich  bekiimmert  beiden 
Im  Herzen  uns  den  Tod. 

LENAU. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  225 


A  SAD  EVENING 

THE  clouds  hung  heavily 
And  darkly  o'er  us  there, 
As  back  and  forth  we  both 
Did  wander  in  the  garden. 

So  hot  and  still,  so  dark 
And  starless  was  the  night, 
That  it,  quite  like  our  love, 
Awakened  us  to  tears. 

When  I  was  forced  to  part 
And  say  goodbye  to  you, 
I  wished  with  grieving  heart 
Us  both  to  sink  in  death, 


226  Translations — German  Lyrics 

AN  DIE  ENTFERNTE 

I 

Diese  Rose  pflucli    ich  hier, 
In  der  fremden  Feme; 
Liebes  Mddchen,  dirt  ach  dir 
Brdchf  ich  sie  so  gerne! 

Dock  bis  ich  zu  dir  mag  ziehn 
Viele  rveite  Meilen, 
1st  die  Rose  langst  dahin, 
Denn  die  Rosen  eilen. 

Nie  soil  rveiter  sich  ins  Land 
LieV  von  Liebe  rvagen, 
Als  sich  blilhend  in  der  Hand 
Ldsst  die  Rose  tragen; 

Oder  als  die  Nachtigall 
Holme  bringt  zum  Neste, 
Oder  als  ihr  susser  Schall 
Wandert  mit  dem  Weste. 

2 

Rosen  fliehen  nicht  allein 
Und  die  Lenzgesdnge, 
Auch  dein  Wangenrosenschein, 
Deine  siisse  Kldnge. 

O  dass  ich,  ein  Thort  ein  Thor, 
Meinen  Himmel  raumte! 
Dass  ich  einen  Blick  ver/or, 
Einen  Hauch  versdumte! 


Translations — German  Lyrics  227 


TO  MY  LOVE 

1 

Now  I  gather  roses  red, 
On  the  distant  plain; 
Lovely  maiden,  they  were  all 
Gladly  brought  to  thee! 

Yet  while  bringing  them  to  thee 
Many  miles  away, 
Faded  long  ago  my  rose, 
Even  roses  wither. 

Never  further  on  the  land 
Ventures  love  from  love 
Than  will  roses  live  afresh, 
Blooming  in  your  hand. 

Either  when  the  nightingale 
Builds  from  twigs  its  nest, 
Or  its  sweeter  mellow  song 
Wanders  in  the  west. 

2 

Roses  wither  not  alone 
Or  the  songs  of  spring, 
But  the  color  of  thy  cheeks, 
And  the  sweetest  music. 

Oh !  But  what  a  fool  was  I, 
Paradise  to  yield! 
Or  a  look  to  sacrifice, 
E'en  a  breath  to  lose! 


228  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Rosen  toecken  Sehnsucht  hier, 
Dort  die  Nachtigallen, 
Madchen,  und  ich  mb'chte  dir 
In  die  Arme  fallen! 

LENAU. 


Wendei  zur  Klarheit 
Euch,  liebende  Flammen! 
Die  sich  verdammen, 
Heile  die  Wahrheit; 
Dass  sie  vom  Bb'sen 
Froh  sich  er/osen, 
Um  in  dem  Allverein 
Selig  zu  sein. 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  229 

Roses  waken  longing  here, 
There  the  nightingales, 
Maiden,  I  would  wistfully 
Fall  into  thy  arms ! 


Turn  to  the  light, 
Ye  passionate  souls ! 
Those  who  are  damned 
Let  the  truth  heal ; 
That  they  from  evil 
May  themselves  save, 
And  in  the  arms  of  God 
Happiness  may  find. 


230  Translations — German  Lyrics 


KINDERC  O  T  TESDIENS  T 

Es  lauten  zur  Kirche  die  G/oc£en, 
Die  Eltern,  sie  gingen  schon  aus, 
Drei  Kindlein  in  goldenen  Locl^en 
Die  sitzen  noch  unter  dem  Haus. 

Die  muntern  unmiissigen  Caste, 
Sind  noch  fur  die  Kirche  zu  £/ein, 
Doch  wollen  am  heiligen  Feste 
Sie  fromm  wie  die  Alien  schon  sein. 

Hat  jedes  em  Buck  sich  genommen 
Und  halt  es  verfahrt  auf  dem  Schoss, 
Draus  singen  die  Schelme,  die  frommen, 
Mil  schallender  Stimme  drauf  los. 

Weiss  seller  noch  £eins,  rvas  er  singt, 
Singt  jedes  in  anderem  Ton; 
Singt  immert  ihr  Kindlein,  es  dringet 
Auch  so  zum  dem  himmlischen  Thron. 

Dort  stehn  eure  Engelt  die  reinent 
Und  singen  dem  Vater  der  Welt, 
Der  stets  aus  dem  Munde  der  Kleinen 
Am  liebsten  sein  Lob  sich  bestellt. 

Singt  immer;  da  driiben  im  Carten, 
Da  singCs  in  die  Wette  mit  euch; 
Die  Vogelein  sind  es,  die  zarten, 
Die  zrvitschern  im  jungen  Cestrduch. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  231 


CHILDREN'S  WORSHIP 

THE  bells  are  now  calling  to  church, 
And  elders  already  have  left, 
Three  children  in  golden  bright  locks 
Are  staying  still  under  the  roof. 

These  happy  and  active  young  rogues, 
Are  still  for  the  service  too  small, 
And  yet  would  they  share  in  the  worship, 
As  pious  as  elders  now  are. 

And  each  has  a  book  for  himself, 
And  holds  it  reversed  in  his  lap, 
They're  singing,  the  pious  young  rascals, 
With  echoing  voices  so  clear. 

Not  one  of  them  knows  what  he  sings, 
Each  sings  in  a  different  key ; 
Sing  on,  Oh  ye  children,  it  rises 
E'en  so  to  the  heavenly  throne. 

There  stand  the  pure  angels,  with  wings, 
And  sing  to  the  Father  of  all, 
Who  always  from  lips  of  the  children 
Will  reckon  their  praise  as  the  best. 

Sing  ever;  for  out  in  the  garden 
Are  singing,  as  rivals  of  yours, 
The  birdlings  in  sweetest  of  voices, 
And  warble  their  songs  in  the  trees. 


232  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Singt  immer;  ihr  singet  im  Glauben, 
Das  ist  ja  dem  Heiland  genug, 
Ein  Herz  ohne  Falsch  ivie  die  Tauben 
Nimmt  friihe  gen  Himmel  den  Plug. 

Singt  immer;  wir  singen,  die  Alten, 
Und  lesen  die  Schrift  mit  Verstand, 
Und  dock  ach!  me  hundertmal  hatten 
Das  Buck  n>zr  verfyehrt  in  der  Hand. 

Singt  immer;  rvir  singen  die  Lieder 
Nach  No  ten,  so  rvie  sich's  gehb'rt, 
Und  dock — vom  Cezanne  der  Bruder 
Wie  oft  reird  der  Eintyang  gestort! 

Singt  immer;  aus  irdischen  Hallen 
Der  hehrste  und  herrlichste  C/ior, 
Was  ist  erP  em  ^indisches  Lallen, 
Ein  Hauch  in  des  Ervigen  Ohr! 

GEROK. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  233 

Sing  ever;  you're  singing  in  faith, 
That  is  a  Savior  enough, 
The  heart  without  sin,  like  the  dove, 
Takes  early  its  heavenward  flight. 

Sing  ever ;  we're  singing,  we  elders, 
And  read  so  the  Bible  with  reason, 
And  yet,  alas,  hundreds  of  times 
We  read  upside  down  as  the  child. 

Sing  ever;  we're  singing  the  songs 
With  music  as  is  proper  in  worship, 
And  yet,  by  the  quarrels  of  brothers 
How  oft  is  the  harmony  broken. 

Sing  ever  from  earthly  made  halls, 
The  noblest,  most  glorious  choir, 
What  is  it  but  stammer  of  children, 
A  breath  in  the  ear  of  the  Eternal ! 


234  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DER  DORFKIRCHHOF 

Friedlich  Dor/7  nach  alter  Sitte 
Hast  du  noch  dein  Kirchlein  stehn 
In  des  stillen  Hofes  Mitte, 
Wo  zur  Ruh*  die  Todten  gehn. 

Sonntags  Wallet  die  Cemeine 
Beim  Geldute  da  heraus; 
Zrvischen  Kreuz  und  Leichensteine 
Zieht  die  Schar  ins  Gotteshaus. 

Wird  sie  nicht,  um  Grdber  lenfyend, 
Schon  zum  tieferm  Ernst  gestimmt, 
Dass  die  See/',  ihr  End  bedenfyend, 
Besser  Gottes  Wort  vernimmt? 

Will  sein  Kind  zur  Taufe  tragen 
Hier  em  Vater  rvohlgemuth, 
Sieht  er  erst  die  Hiigel  ragen, 
Wo  so  manches  Kindlein  ruht. 

Flilstert  nicht  ein  Hauch  des  Windes 
Aus  der  Kleinen  Graft  herauf: 
**  Pflege  dock  des  zarten  Kindes, 
Zieh  es  friih  zum  Himmel  auf  P  " 

Wenn  beim  hellen  Festgeldute 
Naht  die  muntre  Hochzeitschar, 
Wandeln  die  geschmuckten  Brdute 
Zrvischen  Gruften  zum  Altar. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  235 


THE  VILLAGE  CHURCHYARD 

PEACEFUL  village!  Ancient  custom 
Keeps  thy  little  church  still  there 
In  the  peaceful  churchyard  home, 
Where  the  dead  have  gone  to  rest. 

Multitudes  on  Sabbaths  wander, 
With  the  ringing  of  the  bells, 
Twixt  the  cross  and  monuments, 
There  to  gather  in  God's  choir. 

Will  it  not,  in  view  of  death, 
Tune  its  mind  to  deepest  thought 
That  the  soul,  reflecting,  may 
Better  know  the  Word  of  God? 

When  a  father  piously 
Brings  his  child  unto  the  font, 
Then  he  sees  the  hillock  graves 
Where  so  many  children  sleep. 

Whispers  not  a  breath  of  air 
Flowing  from  the  infant's  grave : 
**  Cherish  yet  the  tender  child, 
Take  it  early  hence  to  God?  " 

When,  with  happy  banquet  songs, 
Come  the  joyful  wedding  hosts, 
Brides  in  pretty  dresses  wander 
From  the  graves  unto  the  altar. 


236  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Vor  der  Jungfrau  mil  der  Krone 
Bebt  am  Kreuz  der  Flitterkranz, 
Mahnt  zum  Ernst  mit  leisem  Tone 
Mitten  durch  Musifc  und  Tanz. 

Aber  rvanttt  in  tiefen  Schmerzen 
Erne  Schar  zum  Grabesrandt 
Dann  fur  die  gebrochnen  Herzen 
1st  der  Trost  auch  nah  zur  Hand. 

Gleichwie  sanfter  ja  die  Kinder 
Weinen  in  der  Mutter  Schoss, 
So  vor  Gottes  Haus  gelinder 
Ringen  sich  die  Thranen  los. 

Sanfter  selbst  die  Todten  ruhen 
In  der  Kirche  Hut  und  Acht, 
Gleichrvie  die  Kinder  in  die  Truhent 
Wo  die  treue  Mutter  wacht. 

Dorflein!  deine  Kirch9  umkrdnzet 
Grim  des  Kirchhofs  ernst  Geheg, 
Und  der  Todtenacfyer  grenzet 
Hart  an  deinen  Lebensiveg. 

Wenn  in  deine  FesC  und  Freuden 
Oft  ein  Sterbgedanke  bricht, 
So  verfylart  sich  auch  dein  Leiden 
In  des  ew'gen  Glaubens  Licht. 

STOBER. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  237 

By  the  virgin  with  the  crown 
Waves  a  garland  at  the  cross, 
Tones  of  music  soft  instill 
Earnestness  in  midst  of  dancing. 

But  if  crowds  in  sorrow  wander 
To  the  edges  of  the  graves, 
Then  for  broken  hearts  will  be 
Comfort  also  near  at  hand. 

Just  as  tender  children  pure 
Weep  upon  their  mother's  breast, 
So  before  the  house  of  God 
Struggle  gently  free  the  tears. 

Softly  e'en  the  dead  are  sleeping 
In  the  church's  watchful  care, 
Just  like  children  in  their  cradles 
Whom  their  faithful  mothers  guard. 

Village  dear,  thy  church  doth  crown 
Green  the  graveyard's  mournful  sward, 
And  the  home  of  death  there  borders 
Close  upon  the  path  of  life. 

As  in  feast  and  happiness 

Oft  the  thought  of  death  breaks  in, 

Thus  thy  sorrow  is  exalted 

In  the  light  of  during  faith. 


238  Translations — German  Lyrics 


FROHER  SINN 

Ohne  Geld  und  ohne  Sorgen! 
debt's  ein  Cluck,  das  meinem  gleicht? 
Geld,  ei  Geld,  das  fyann  ich  borgen, 
Aber  Frohsinn  nicht  so  leicht. 

Heute  sorget  ihr  fur  morgen, 
Morgen  fur  die  Ervigkeit! 
Ich  will  heuf  fur  heute  sorgen, 
Morgen  ist  fur  morgen  Zeit. 

Und  die  Zufyunft  P    Wenn  auch  morgen 
Mich  der  Tod  zum  Opfer  rveiht: 
Frei  von  Schuld  sein  und  von  Sorgen, 
Ist  ja  hier  schon  Selig^eit. 

GRILLPARZER. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  239 


HAPPY  DISPOSITION 

LACKING  gold  and  free  from  care! 
Is  there  happiness  like  mine? 
Gold,  well  gold,  that  can  I  borrow, 
Joy,  indeed,  is  not  so  easy. 

Care  today  but  for  the  morrow, 
Morrow  for  eternity! 
For  today  will  I  care  today, 
Morrow  is  for  morrow's  cares. 

And  the  future?    Tho  the  morrow 
Gives  me  death  upon  the  altar. 
Free  from  guilt  to  be  and  care, 
Is  my  present  happiness. 


240  Translations — German  Lyrics 


WELTLAVF 

Wohin  das  Auge  dringt, 
1st  Schuld  und  Leiden, 
Und  Tvas  der  Zeitlauf  bringt, 
1st  Fliehn  und  Scheiden. 

Dazlvischen  hat  der  Traum 
Von  G/iic£  und  Liebe 
Nur  noch  so  viel  an  Raum, 
Dass  er  zerstiebe. 

LORM. 


Wer  im  Frieden 
Wunschet  sich  Krieg  zuriic£, 
Der  ist  geschieden 
Vom  Hoffnungsgliick* 

GCETHE  (FAUST). 


Translations — German  Lyrics  241 


LIFE 

WHERE  e'er  my  eye  I  turn 
Is  sin  and  pain, 
And  all  the  path  of  life 
Brings  grief  and  parting. 

Between  the  two  my  dream 
Of  joy  and  love 
Has  only  room  enough 
To  wane  in  grief. 


Who  in  peace 
Wishes  for  war  again, 
He  is  far  distant 
From  hope  and  joy. 


242  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DIE  CESTIRNE 

Wie  sie  so  himmlisch  ruhig  oben  fcreisen 
Kein  Laut,  der  je  zu  uns  heriiber  drang; 
Sie  rvandeln  ihren  stillen,  ewig,  leisen, 
Geheimnissvollen,  rvunderbaren  Gang. 

Die  Winde  sausen  aus  die  fernsten  Feme, 
Des  Weltalls  Boten  fliehn  sie  hin  und  her; 
Doch  bringen  sie  aus  dem  Bereich  der  Sterne 
Nicht  tinen  Ton,  der  uns  vernhmbar  r»ar. 

Vergebens  ist  des  Ohrs  gespanntes  Lauschen, 
Der  Geist  nur  uberwinde  Raum  und  Zeit, 
Und  ihm  ertb'nt  im  stummen  Spharen-Rauschen 
Der  Donnerruf  des  Alls:  Unendlichkeit. 

WALDMULLER 


Translations — German  Lyrics  243 


THE  STARS 

THE  stars  roam  ever  in  celestial  peace 
No  sound  of  music  floats  upon  our  ears; 
They  wander  in  their  calm  eternal  course, 
Mysterious  and  sublime  their  silent  paths. 

The  sighing  winds  blow  from  the  distant  deeps, 
The  messengers  of  God  move  everywhere ; 
And  yet  they  bring  from  out  the  realm  of  stars 
No  voice  that  may  be  audible  to  us. 

In  vain  the  ear  will  listen  for  a  sound, 
The  spirit  only  conquers  time  and  space, 
For  it  there  echoes  in  the  silent  spheres 
The  thunder  call  of  God:  Infinity. 


244  Translations — German  Lyrics 


DAS  COTTL1CHE 

Edel  sei  der  Mensch, 
Hulfreich  und  gut! 
Denn  das  allein 
Unterscheidet  ihn 
yon  alien  Wesen, 
Die  r»ir  kennen. 

Heil  dem  unbefyannten 
Hb'hern  Wesen, 
Die  T»ir  ahnen! 
Sein  Beispiel  lehr*  uns 
Jene  glauben. 

Denn  unfuhlend 

1st  die  Natur: 

Es  leuchtet  die  Sonne 

Ober  Bo's9  und  Cute 

Und  dem  Verbrecher 

G/anzen,  nie  dem  Besten 

Der  Mond  und  die  Sterne. 

Wind  und  Stromet 
Donner  und  Hagel 
Rauschen  ihren  Weg 
Und  ergreifen, 
Voruber  eilend, 
Einem  um  den  andern. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  245 


THE  DIVINE 

NOBLE  be  man, 
Helpful  and  good; 
For  that  alone 
Separates  him 
From  all  creatures 
That  we  now  know. 

Healing  unknown 
Higher  pure  beings, 
Whom  we  here  envy. 
Teach  us  his  life 
These  to  believe. 

For  that  unfeeling 
Nature  is  cold. 
Sun  ever  lights 
Evil  and  good, 
And  for  the  sinner 
Lumes,  as  on  noblest, 
Moon  and  the  stars. 

Wind  and  full  streams, 
Thunder  and  hail, 
Rush  o'er  the  valley, 
And  they  there  clash, 
Hurrying  onward, 
One  on  the  other. 


246  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Auch  so  das  Glucfe 
Tappt  unter  die  Menge, 
Fasst  bald  des  Knaben 
Locfyige  Unschuld, 
Bald  auch  den  fyahlen 
Schuldigen  Scheitel. 

Nach  etvigen,  ehrnen, 
Grossen  Gesetzen 
Mussen  T»ir  alle 
Unseres  Daisens 
Kreise  vollenden. 

Nur  allein  der  Mensch 
Vermag  das  Unmogliche; 
Er  unterscheidet 
Wahlet  und  richtet; 
Er  £ann  dem  Augenblicf? 
Dauer  verleihen. 

Er  allein  darf 
Den  Guten  lohnen, 
Den  Bb'sen  strafen, 
Heilen  und  retten, 
Alles  Irrende,  Schweifende 
Nutzlich  verbinden. 

Und  ipfr  verehren 

Die  unsterblichent 

Als  Tvaren  sie  Menschen, 

Thaten  im  grossen, 

Was  der  Beste  im  fcleinen 

Thut  oder  mochte. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  247 

Happiness  thus 
Gropes  in  the  crowd, 
Takes  innocent 
Curly  haired  youth, 
Then  the  gray  haired 
Guilty  old  age. 

Under  the  lasting 
Iron  firm  laws, 
Must  we  then  all 
The  courses  fulfil 
Of  our  existence. 

Man  then  alone 
Tries  the  impossible ; 
He  may  distinguish, 
Choose  and  direct; 
To  the  time  fleeting 
He  may  give  durance. 

He  may  alone 
Goodness  emprize 
Punish  the  wicked, 
Healing  and  saving, 
Erring  and  wand 'ring 
Usefully  joining. 

And  we  may  honor 
All  the  immortals, 
As  they  were  men. 
Act  in  the  greatest 
As  in  things  small 
Noble  men  do. 


248  Translations — German  Lyrics 

Der  edle  Mensch 
Sei  hiilfreich  and  gut! 
Unermudet  schaff'  er 
Das  Niitzliche,  Rechte, 
Sei  uns  ein  Vorbild 
Jener  geahnten  Wesen. 

G(ETHE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  249 

Let  all  men  be 
Helpful  and  good. 
Unwearied  makes  he 
The  useful  and  right. 
Be  then  a  forecast 
Of  the  wise  gods. 


250  Translations — German  Lyrics 


WELTLAUF 

Hat  man  vie/,  so  r»ird  man  bald 
Noch  vie/  mehr  dazu  befyommen. 
Wer  nar  rvenig  hat,  dem  wird 
Auch  das  IVenige  genommen. 

Wenn  du  aber  gar  Nichts  hast, 
Ach,  so  lasse  dich  begraben — 
Denn  ein  Recht  zum  Leben,  Lump, 
Haben  nur  die  etivas  haben. 

HEINE. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  251 


THE  WORLD 

HAVE  you  plenty,  plenty  more 
Cometh  quickly  to  thy  hands. 
Who  has  little,  then  from  him 
Will  his  meager  goods  be  taken. 

But  if  nothing  is  thy  lot, 
Better  end  it  at  the  grave — 
For  the  right  to  live,  you  fool, 
Have  the  lucky  men  of  plenty. 


252  Translations — German  Lyrics 


RUHE  AM  SEE 

Einsam  oben  auf  dem  Hugel, 
An  des  Felsens  Ueberhang 
An  des  Sees  blauem  Spiegel 
Ruh*  ich  stunden,  tagelang. 

Ueber  mir  das  Laub  der  Bdume 
Um  mich  heller  Fruhlingsschein, 
Wie  ins  Feenland  der  Trdume 
Schau*  ich  in  den  See  hinein. 

Was  am  Ufer  steht  und  rvehet 
Und  den  ganzen  Himmelsplan, 
Was  nur  dort  vorubergehet, 
Zeigt  der  treue  Spiegel  an. 

Herz,  mem  Herz,  was  soil  dein  Schlagen? 
Bist  du  wieder  gar  so  wild, 
Dass   du   nicht  varmagst  zu   tragen, 
Wie  der  See,  des  Himmels  Bild? 

Herz,  mem  Herz,  was  rvillst  du  bangen, 
Herz,  mein  Herz,  in  deinem  Weh? 
Sturm  und  Winter  sind  gegangen, 
Hell  und  ruhig  steht  der  See. 

MosEN. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  253 


RESTING  BY  THE  SEA 

LONELY  there  upon  the  hill, 
On  the  rocky  precipice, 
Rest  I  all  the  livelong  day, 
By  the  surface  of  the  sea. 

Over  me  the  leaves  of  trees, 
Round  me  splendid  spring  sunshine, 
As  in  fairyland  of  dreams, 
Gaze  I  in  the  deep  blue  sea. 

Forests  waving  on  the  shores 
All  the  azure  deeps  of  heaven, 
All  that  wanders  o'er  its  plains 
Seems  reflected  from  the  sea. 

O  my  heart,  why  should  you  grieve? 
Why  art  thou  so  deeply  pained 
That  thou  canst  not  carry  there 
Heaven's  image  like  the  sea? 

O  my  heart,  what  vexes  thee, 
O  my  heart,  in  bitter  pain? 
Storm  and  winter  now  have  gone, 
Bright  and  peaceful  lies  the  sea. 


254  Translations — German  Lyrics 


VALET 

Ade  nun,  liebe  Lieder9 
Ade,  du  schb'ner  Sang! 
Nun  sing9  ich  toohl  nicht  rvieder 
Vielleicht  mein  lebenlang. 

Einst  bliihf  von  Cottes  Odem 
Die  Welt  so  Tvunderreich, 
Da  in  den  griinen  Boden 
Senl^C  ich  als  Reiser  euch. 


Jetzt  eure  Wipjd 
So  fcuhle  uber  mir, 
Ich  stehe  in  Gedanfyen 
Gleichwie  im  Walde  hier. 

Da  muss  ich  oft  noch  lauschen 
In  meiner  Einsamkeit 
Und  denfy*  bei  eurem  Rauschen 
Der  schonen  Jugentzeit. 

ElCHENDORFF. 


Translations — German  Lyrics  255 


VALE 

FAREWELL,  beloved  verse, 
Farewell,  thou  lovely  song! 
I  may  not  sing  again 
Perhaps  the  rest  of  life. 

From  beneath  divine  the  world 
Once  rose  in  beauty  rich, 
As  I,  in  meadows  green, 
Have  planted  twigs  for  thee. 

But  now  thy  branches  blow 
Their  cooling  winds  to  me, 
I  pause  reflectively 
As  in  the  woodland  shade. 

Then  must  I  listen  oft 
In  all  my  loneliness 
To  view  in  ecstasy 
The  lovely  days  of  youth. 


Poems,  01 
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>ns 

~j?T^ 

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